What is the Difference Between Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium?

Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium (also known as Ace-K) are both artificial sweeteners, but they have some differences in terms of their chemical properties, stability, and taste:

1. Chemical Formula: Aspartame has the chemical formula C14H18N2O5, while Ace-K does not have a standard chemical formula.
2. Stability: Aspartame is not stable under heat, whereas Ace-K is stable under heat and at moderately acidic or basic conditions. This property makes Ace-K suitable for use in baked goods.
3. Taste: Both sweeteners are around 200 times sweeter than sugar and are used to give food and drinks a sweet taste without adding sugar. However, Ace-K is often blended with other sweeteners, such as aspartame, to mask the bitter aftertaste that sweeteners can have on their own.
4. Absorption and Metabolism: The body may not break down or store Ace-K like other foods. Instead, it absorbs it and then passes it, unchanged, through urine.

Both sweeteners are widely used in the food industry, and their safety has been extensively studied. However, some critics still maintain that the studies on Ace-K are not good enough, and scientists cannot be confident that it will not cause harm in the long term.

Comparative Table: Aspartame vs Acesulfame Potassium

Aspartame and acesulfame potassium are both artificial sweeteners, but they have some differences in their properties and applications. Here is a table comparing the two:

Aspartame is an organic compound with the chemical formula C14H18N2O5 and is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. It is commonly used as a sugar substitute in the food industry for foods and beverages. However, it is unstable under heat and loses its sweetness when heated, making it unsuitable for baking purposes.

Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K or Ace K, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H4KNO4S. It is also about 200 times sweeter than sucrose. Acesulfame potassium is stable under heat and can be used in a wide range of temperatures and in many food products, including baked goods, beverages, candies, chocolates, dairy products, desserts, and more. It is sold under the brand names Sunett and Sweet One.