Aspartame (E951, E962)
Aspartame (E951) is a low-calorie sweetener. EFSA sees no safety concern at its acceptable daily intake of 40 mg per kg body weight. IARC classed it as possibly carcinogenic in 2023. People with phenylketonuria must avoid it.
What it is
It sweetens diet drinks, sugar-free chewing gum, desserts and table-top sweeteners. The label shows aspartame or E951, and the text "contains a source of phenylalanine".
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Food |
|---|---|
| Adult | Medium |
| Child | Medium |
| Infant | Medium |
| Dog | No concern found |
| Cat | No concern found |
For people, the app relies on the IARC classification and on the phenylalanine warning for people with phenylketonuria. The app has no assessment for dogs and cats.
Basis of the ratings: ban, limit or official classification.
Possible concerns: Carcinogenic, Developmental toxicity.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Adult (food), Child (food), Infant (food): IARC Group 2B (Vol. 134, 2023) + phenylalanine/PKU developmental qualifier (EFSA 2013: no fetal risk at ADI otherwise).
Rules and use
Authorised in the EU. EFSA completed a full risk assessment in 2013 and kept the acceptable daily intake at 40 mg per kg body weight per day. In 2023 IARC classed aspartame as Group 2B, and the joint FAO/WHO expert committee (JECFA) kept the same daily intake.
IARC classification: Group 2B: possibly carcinogenic to humans. IARC rates whether a substance can cause cancer in principle (hazard). It does not rate the risk at normal intake.
Read the guide: E-numbers explained
Sources
Related ingredients
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.