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E961SweetenerLow concern
Neotame
In plain words
The short version
An aspartame derivative ~8000× sweeter than sucrose — no phenylalanine warning required.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–2 mg/kg body weight (EFSA 2007). Unlike aspartame, the bulky N-substituent prevents enzymatic release of phenylalanine, so no PKU warning is required. Largely excreted unchanged, with a small fraction hydrolyzed to de-esterified neotame (also rapidly excreted).
The detail
Developed in the 1990s by NutraSweet (later Sweet Green Fields) as a more potent and stable successor to aspartame. Synthesized by adding a 3,3-dimethylbutyl group to the amino nitrogen of aspartame.
Sweetness about 7000–13000× sucrose — used at extremely low concentrations (parts-per-million). Found in diet beverages, low-calorie dairy products, chewing gum, and some tabletop sweetener blends. The high potency makes it economical despite a higher per-gram cost.
White to off-white crystalline powder. Soluble in water and ethanol. Significantly more heat- and acid-stable than aspartame.
Permitted in the EU (since 2010), US, Canada, Australia, and most major markets.
Sources
- EFSA — Neotame as a sweetener and flavour enhancer, Scientific Opinion of the AFC Panel (2007) — European Food Safety Authority (AFC Panel), 2007. ADI 0–2 mg/kg bw (EFSA 2007)
- WHO JECFA database — Neotame (INS 961) — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 2003. JECFA ADI 0–2 mg/kg bw
- US eCFR — 21 CFR 172.829 Neotame (version of 2026-10-13) — Office of the Federal Register / US FDA, 2026. Permitted in the US
- EU — Commission Directive 2009/163/EU amending Directive 94/35/EC with regard to neotame (2009) — Publications Office of the European Union, 2009. EU authorisation as E 961 (transposition by 12 October 2010)
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.