Foods Containing E951 (Aspartame)
E951 (Aspartame) is one of the most tested — and most argued-about — additives ever. Approved by every major regulator, classified 'possibly carcinogenic' by IARC in 2023 at extreme doses. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E951
E951 is used across diet soft drinks, sugar-free gum, desserts, yoghurts and low-calorie foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Diet cola and soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum
- Yoghurts
- Tabletop sweeteners
- Sugar-free desserts
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E951 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E951" or as "Aspartame".
How to spot E951 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "artificial and intense sweeteners: E951" or "artificial and intense sweeteners: aspartame". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Aspartame" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E951?
E951 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E951 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E951: safety, vegan and halal status →
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Want to avoid E951?
Additive-free eating
Cookbooks and guides for cooking without additives.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).