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E962 · Sweeteners

Aspartame-acesulfame salt

Moderate risk sweetenersynthetic

Combined sweetener; see aspartame notes.

Category
Sweeteners
Vegan
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes

What it is

E962 is a hybrid artificial sweetener. Instead of just mixing aspartame (E951) and acesulfame K (E950) together in a factory, E962 is a single crystalline salt formed by chemically binding the two molecules (roughly 64% aspartame and 36% acesulfame).

How it is used in food

Sweetener combo.

Commonly found in
  • Diet sodas and sports drinks
  • Sugar-free mints and chewing gum

Health and safety

All considerations of each apply, including the PKU warning.

Because E962 breaks down into aspartame and acesulfame in the body, it carries the exact same safety profiles and controversies as its parents. It must carry a warning for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) because it contains aspartame.

Dangerous for PKU sufferers

individuals with PKU · evidence: established

Because it contains aspartame, it releases phenylalanine upon digestion. This is highly toxic to individuals with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU).

EFSA re-evaluation of aspartame (E 951)

Follows rules of both components.

Regulatory status

RegionStatusNotes
Australia & New Zealand
FSANZ		 Permitted Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
European Union
EFSA / European Commission		 Permitted Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)		 Permitted Approved as a sweetener.
“Contains a source of phenylalanine”

Identification on labels

E-number
E962

Also printed asSalt of aspartame-acesulfame

Alternatives to this additive

How it is made

Produced by dissolving aspartame and acesulfame potassium in a solution, allowing them to chemically react, and crystallising the resulting salt.

  1. Crystallisation — Aspartame and acesulfame K are reacted and crystallised into a single compound.

Worth knowing

Aspartame and acesulfame K crystallized together into one molecule that splits back into both in your mouth.

Conclusion

E962 is used simply because the chemical bond creates a sweeter, more sugar-like taste profile than a simple physical mixture. If you avoid aspartame or acesulfame K, you must also avoid E962.

References

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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