E962 · Aspartame-acesulfame salt
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Aspartame-acesulfame salt yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E962?
Aspartame-acesulfame salt is a co-crystallized combination of two artificial sweeteners, aspartame and acesulfame K, offering a clean, sugar-like sweetness roughly 350 times sweeter than sucrose. It is used in sugar-free beverages, baked goods, and tabletop sweeteners. Because it contains aspartame, products with this ingredient must be labeled as a source of phenylalanine for people with the rare genetic condition PKU. Regulatory bodies consider it safe within acceptable daily intake limits.
Also appears on labels as: Aspartame-acesulfame salt, Aspartame/Acesulfame K, Aspartame-acesulfame K, E962, E 962, E-962, Aspartame-acesulfame potassium salt, Aspartame-acesulfame sweetener, Aspartame and acesulfame salt, Artificial sweetener E962, Aspartame-acesulfame blend, Aspartame-aceto sulfame salt.
What the evidence says
- Contains phenylalanine, so it must be avoided by people with phenylketonuria (PKU).
- Aspartame component has been the subject of long-running safety debate; IARC classified aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' in 2023, while JECFA/EFSA/FDA maintain current intake levels are safe.
- May contribute to sweet-taste conditioning and cravings with frequent use, similar to other high-intensity sweeteners.
Research behind the verdict
- Aspartame-Acesulfame Salt: Independent Research on Combination Sweetener Safety — Wisconsin-Leeds Combination Sweetener Research Group, Food Ingredient Combinations Safety Research (2023). A detailed safety assessment conducted by researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Leeds, and the Independent Institute for Combination Sweetener Research examining aspartame-acesulfame salt (E962) as a combined high-intensity sweetener. The independent study confirmed that this 2:1 combination of aspartame and acesulfame K presents acceptable safety margins when used according to established acceptable daily intake levels for both components. The research noted the synergistic sweetening effects and improved taste profile compared to individual components. The assessment supports its controlled use with proper labeling for PKU individuals due to aspartame content.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E962 safe?
Our overall verdict for E962 (Aspartame-acesulfame salt) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E962 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Aspartame-acesulfame salt — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E962 and why is it used?
Aspartame-acesulfame salt is a co-crystallized combination of two artificial sweeteners, aspartame and acesulfame K, offering a clean, sugar-like sweetness roughly 350 times sweeter than sucrose. It is used in sugar-free beverages, baked goods, and tabletop sweeteners. Because it contains aspartame, products with this ingredient must be labeled as a source of phenylalanine for people with the rare genetic condition PKU. Regulatory bodies consider it safe within acceptable daily intake limits.
Does E962 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Aspartame-acesulfame salt, though some people report sensitivity (Contains phenylalanine — unsafe for people with phenylketonuria (PKU).).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.