What is E961?
E961 is Neotame — a synthetic intense sweetener related to aspartame, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
What is E961 (Neotame)?
E961 is the E-number for neotame, one of the artificial & intense sweeteners group of food additives (E900–E999). Additives in this group sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar. A synthetic intense sweetener related to aspartame. Like every E-number, E961 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E961 in detail below.
Where is E961 found?
E961 is typically used in diet soft drinks, sugar-free gum, desserts, yoghurts and low-calorie foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E961) or by its full name, neotame. Common foods that may contain E961 include:
- Diet soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum
- Desserts
- Yoghurts and low-calorie foods
Full guide: foods containing E961 and how to spot it on labels →
E961 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Neotame safe?
Is E961 safe?
E961 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E961.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E961 vegan?
E961 is vegan. A synthetic intense sweetener related to aspartame, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E961 →Is E961 halal?
E961 is halal. A synthetic intense sweetener related to aspartame, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E961 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E961 in food?
E961 is Neotame — a synthetic intense sweetener related to aspartame, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
Is E961 safe to eat?
Yes. E961 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E961 vegan?
E961 is vegan. A synthetic intense sweetener related to aspartame, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E961 halal?
E961 is halal. A synthetic intense sweetener related to aspartame, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).