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Frequently Asked Questions
about the Use of Aspartame in Low-Calorie Foods and Beverages
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PDF version of the Aspartame FAQs
 What
is aspartame?
 Aspartame (L-a-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) is a low-calorie
sweetener used to sweeten a wide variety of low- and reduced-calorie foods
and beverages, including low-calorie tabletop sweeteners.
What
is aspartame composed of?
Aspartame is composed of two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine,
as the methyl ester. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Aspartic
acid and phenylalanine are also found naturally in protein containing foods,
including meats, grains and dairy products. Methyl esters are also found
naturally in many foods, such as fruits and vegetables and their juices.
Why
is aspartame used?
Aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar, tastes like sugar, can
enhance fruit flavors, saves calories and does not contribute to tooth decay.
Products sweetened with aspartame can be useful as part of a healthful diet.
What
types of products contain aspartame?
Aspartame is found in about 6000 products around the
world, including carbonated soft drinks, powdered soft
drinks, chewing gum, confections, gelatins, dessert mixes,
puddings and fillings, frozen desserts, yogurt, tabletop
sweeteners, and some pharmaceuticals such as vitamins
and sugar-free cough drops.
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