What is Aspartame?
Aspartame is a type of artificial sweetener that is widely used in many food and beverage products. It is made up of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, and a small amount of methanol. Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute, particularly in products that are marketed as “diet” or “low-calorie”.
The Concerns About Aspartame
There has been some controversy surrounding the safety of aspartame. Some studies have suggested that long-term consumption of aspartame may be linked to various health problems, including cancer, seizures, and neurological disorders. However, most regulatory agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have deemed aspartame to be safe for human consumption.
Which Artificial Sweeteners Contain Aspartame?
There are several artificial sweeteners that contain aspartame. Some of the most common include:
1. NutraSweet
NutraSweet is a brand of aspartame that is commonly used in many food and beverage products. It is often found in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and other low-calorie products.
2. Equal
Equal is another brand of aspartame that is used in many food and beverage products. It is often found in tabletop sweeteners, such as those used in coffee and tea.
3. Sugar Twin
Sugar Twin is a low-calorie sweetener that is made with aspartame. It is commonly used as a sugar substitute in baking and other recipes.
Alternatives to Aspartame
If you are concerned about the safety of aspartame, there are several alternatives that you can use instead. Some of the most popular include:
1. Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener that is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is a low-calorie sweetener that is often used as a sugar substitute in many food and beverage products.
2. Splenda
Splenda is a brand of sucralose that is commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is often found in tabletop sweeteners and other low-calorie products.
3. Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is derived from birch wood. It is a low-calorie sweetener that is often used as a sugar substitute in baking and other recipes.
The Bottom Line
Aspartame is a commonly used artificial sweetener that is found in many food and beverage products. While there has been some controversy surrounding its safety, most regulatory agencies have deemed it to be safe for human consumption. If you are concerned about the safety of aspartame, there are several alternatives that you can use instead. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the best sweetener options for your individual needs.