Aspartame-Acesulfame Salt
The short version
A single-salt blend of aspartame and acesulfame K (Twinsweet) — inherits both parents' safety profiles.
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Where it comes from
Developed by Holland Sweetener Company in the 1990s as a co-crystallized salt of aspartame and acesulfame potassium in roughly 64:36 ratio. The combination masks each sweetener's individual aftertaste and is shelf-stable as a single ingredient.
How it's used
Used in tabletop sweeteners (sold as Twinsweet) and diet beverages. About 350 times sweeter than sucrose. Convenient single-ingredient alternative to mixing aspartame and acesulfame separately.
Safety profile
Inherits both the aspartame and acesulfame K safety profiles. Mandatory phenylketonuria (PKU) warning because of the aspartame content. The 2023 IARC 'possibly carcinogenic' classification of aspartame applies; the EFSA acesulfame re-evaluation also applies.
Physical & chemical properties
White crystalline powder, soluble in water. Single-molecule co-crystal of the two parent sweeteners. Behaves like the combined blend in food applications.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted in the EU and many other jurisdictions. PKU warning required.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.