What is the Difference Between Aspartame and Saccharin?

Aspartame and saccharin are both artificial sweeteners, but they have some differences in terms of their chemical composition, sweetness, and calorie content:

1. Chemical Composition: Aspartame is a dipeptide composed primarily of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Saccharin, on the other hand, has the chemical formula C7H5NO3S.
2. Sweetness: Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sugar, whereas saccharin is 200 to 700 times sweeter than sugar.
3. Calorie Content: Aspartame is considered a nutritive sweetener because it adds some calories, although far less than sugar. Saccharin, however, is a non-nutritive sweetener, meaning it contains no calories.
4. Heat Stability: Aspartame is not heat-stable and loses its sweetness when heated, so it typically isn't used in baked goods. Saccharin is more heat-stable and can be used in a wider range of food products.

Both sweeteners have been rigorously studied for their safety, and the FDA deems them safe for consumption. However, some consumer safety groups and health professionals disagree, and there have been links found between these sweeteners and cancer in animal studies. Despite these concerns, the FDA states that studies examining both sweeteners are inconclusive, and they believe the sweeteners are safe for use in moderation.

Comparative Table: Aspartame vs Saccharin

Here is a table comparing the differences between aspartame and saccharin:

Aspartame and saccharin are both sweetening agents, but they differ in their sweetness, calorie content, chemical structure, and history. Aspartame is a non-saccharide and is 200 times sweeter than sugar, while saccharin is a saccharide and is 300-500 times sweeter than sugar. Aspartame contains calories and is considered a nutritive sweetener, whereas saccharin is a non-calorie sweetener and is less nutritive.