Acesulfame potassium is a calorie-free
artificial sweetener,
also known as Acesulfame K or Ace K, which was
discovered in 1967 by Hoechst
AG.
Acesulfame K is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose
(table sugar) with a slight
bitter flavor when used in large quantities. Unlike aspartame,
it is stable under heat allowing it to be used in baking. Acesulfame K is often
used in combination with aspartame or other sweeteners because it has a synergistic
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effect of enhancing and sustaining the sweetness of foods and beverages. Acesulfame
is not metabolized by the body and is excreted unchanged in urine.
In the United Kingdom acesulfame K was approved for use in 1983 and in the United States the FDA approved it in 1988. The over 90 studies done on the safety of acesulfame K have show no toxic effects. Popular products containing acesulfame K include Pepsi ONE, Trident gum, and sugar free Jell-O. Acesulfame K is sold under the brand names "Sunett" and "Sweet One".
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