E950 · Sweeteners

Acesulfame K

Moderate risk artificial sweetenersweetener

Artificial sweetener; long-term effects debated.

Category: Sweeteners
Acceptable daily intake: 15 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes

What it is

Acesulfame Potassium (E950), commonly known as Ace-K, is an artificial zero-calorie sweetener. It is roughly 200 times sweeter than table sugar.

How it is used in food

200× sweeter than sugar, zero calories.

Commonly found in

Diet and zero-sugar sodas (like Coke Zero and Diet Pepsi)
Sugar-free chewing gum
Protein powders and sports supplements
Sugar-free desserts

Health and safety

Long-term epidemiology (including WHO’s 2023 advice against sweeteners for weight control) keeps the debate open.

Ace-K has a slightly bitter aftertaste, so it is almost never used alone. It is usually blended with Aspartame (E951) or Sucralose (E955) because they mask each other's flaws and create a more sugar-like taste. In the body, it is completely ignored—it passes through the digestive system unabsorbed and is excreted in urine unchanged within 24 hours.

Potential long-term metabolic effects

long-term consumers · evidence: suspected

The WHO advises against using artificial sweeteners like Ace-K for weight control, suggesting long-term use may actually increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, though the mechanism is not fully understood.

WHO advice on non-sugar sweeteners

Actively debated in scientific circles.

Regulatory status

Region	Status	Notes
Australia & New Zealand FSANZ	Permitted	Permitted.
European Union EFSA / European Commission	Permitted	Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration)	Permitted	Approved by the FDA (ADI of 15 mg/kg bw/day).

Identification on labels

E-number: E950

Also printed asAce-K · acesulfame potassium

Alternatives to this additive

E960a: Steviol glycosides from Stevia — A natural, plant-based zero-calorie sweetener.

How it is made

It is a synthetic chemical produced by transforming acetoacetic acid derivatives into a complex potassium salt.

Synthesis — Synthesized from acetoacetamide and reacted with sulfur trioxide to form a ring structure, which is then neutralized with potassium hydroxide.

Worth knowing

Not metabolized at all — it leaves your body unchanged within 24 hours.

Conclusion

While food safety authorities globally classify E950 as safe, long-term epidemiological studies have raised questions. In 2023, the WHO officially advised people not to use Ace-K and other artificial sweeteners for weight control, citing potential long-term risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

References

EFSA evaluation of E950 — EFSA
Re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as a food additive — EFSA
EFSA re-evaluation — EFSA
WHO advice on non-sugar sweeteners — WHO

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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