What is acesulfame potassium
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K for short) is a common artificial sweetener widely used in food and beverages. In recent years, with the rise of healthy eating, people's attention to artificial sweeteners has gradually increased. This article will introduce in detail the definition, characteristics, applications and safety of acesulfame potassium, and combine it with the hot topics in the past 10 days to provide you with comprehensive information.
1. Definition of acesulfame potassium

Acesulfame potassium is a non-caloric artificial sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. It was discovered by German chemist Karl Clauss in 1967 and approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988. The chemical formula of acesulfame potassium is C4H4KNO4S, usually exists as a white crystalline powder.
2. Characteristics of acesulfame potassium
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| sweetness | About 200 times that of sucrose |
| heat | almost zero |
| Stability | High temperature resistant, suitable for baked goods |
| solubility | Easily soluble in water |
3. Application of acesulfame potassium
Acesulfame potassium is widely used in various foods and beverages, especially low-sugar or sugar-free products. The following are its main application areas:
| Application areas | Example |
|---|---|
| drinks | Sugar-free carbonated drinks, juices, tea drinks |
| food | Candy, chewing gum, ice cream, yogurt |
| baking | Low sugar cookies, cakes, bread |
| Medicines | syrup, chewable tablets |
4. Safety of acesulfame potassium
The safety of acesulfame potassium has always been the focus of public attention. According to the evaluation of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US FDA, acesulfame potassium is safe when consumed in moderate amounts. Here are the acceptable daily intake (ADI) data from the relevant agencies:
| institution | Allowable Daily Intake (ADI) |
|---|---|
| World Health Organization (WHO) | 15 mg/kg body weight |
| USFDA | 15 mg/kg body weight |
| European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | 9 mg/kg body weight |
Although acesulfame potassium is considered safe, some research suggests that excessive intake may have negative effects on the gut microbiome. Therefore, consumers are advised to use it in moderation.
5. Hot topics in the past 10 days
Recently, the discussion about artificial sweeteners has become a hot topic again. The following are hot topics related to acesulfame potassium in the past 10 days:
| topic | Source |
|---|---|
| “Are sugar-free drinks really healthy?” | "Health Times" |
| “Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on Gut Microbiota” | Science magazine |
| “FDA re-evaluates artificial sweetener safety” | U.S. FDA official website |
| "Sweetener market under the trend of low-sugar diet" | "Finance" magazine |
6. Summary
As a widely used artificial sweetener, acesulfame potassium has the characteristics of high sweetness, no calories and strong stability. Although its safety is recognized by most authoritative agencies, consumers still need to pay attention to moderate intake. The recent discussion about artificial sweeteners once again reminds us that a healthy diet requires scientific choices and balance.
If you have further questions about acesulfame potassium or other sweeteners, it is recommended to consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for personalized advice.
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