What is E951? Aspartame Explained
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E951 is Aspartame — aspartame — a calorie-free sweetener 200 times sweeter than sugar; safe at normal intakes according to EFSA, but must be avoided by people with PKU.
What is E951 (Aspartame)?
E951 is Aspartame, a food additive classified as a sweetener that provide sweetness with fewer or no calories. Aspartame — a calorie-free sweetener 200 times sweeter than sugar; safe at normal intakes according to efsa, but must be avoided by people with pku. You'll find it in diet drinks, sugar-free chewing gum, low-calorie desserts and many other packaged foods. Aspartame is one of the better-known food additives and appears regularly in label-reading guides and dietary discussions. Like every E-number, E951 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Where is E951 found?
E951 (Aspartame) is found in diet drinks, sugar-free chewing gum, low-calorie desserts, sports drinks, table-top sweeteners.
- diet drinks
- sugar-free chewing gum
- low-calorie desserts
- sports drinks
- table-top sweeteners
Also known as: Aspartame
Is E951 safe?
E951 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. E951 is safe at normal dietary intakes during pregnancy according to EFSA and the NHS, with one exception: women with PKU (phenylketonuria) must avoid it entirely. For most people consuming Aspartame in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflects either active scientific debate, mandatory warning labels, allergen status, or conditions attached to its authorisation.
EFSA opinion: Aspartame — status Some concerns.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E951. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide. Taking supplements? Check drug and supplement interactions.
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E951 FAQs
What is E951 in food?
E951 is Aspartame — aspartame — a calorie-free sweetener 200 times sweeter than sugar; safe at normal intakes according to EFSA, but must be avoided by people with PKU.
Is E951 safe to eat?
E951 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. E951 is safe at normal dietary intakes during pregnancy according to EFSA and the NHS, with one exception: women with PKU (phenylketon
Is E951 vegan?
E951 (Aspartame) is vegan. It is derived from synthetic; PKU warning, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E951 halal?
E951 (Aspartame) is halal. It is derived from synthetic; PKU warning, which involves no haram sources.
Related Sweeteners additives
Also check: safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · calorie checker · medication interactions
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA