Advantame
The short version
The newest aspartame derivative — about 20000× sweeter than sucrose, the highest-potency food sweetener.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Developed by Ajinomoto and approved by the FDA in 2014 — the newest high-intensity sweetener on the market. Synthesized by adding a 3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)propyl group to the amino nitrogen of aspartame.
How it's used
About 20000× sweeter than sucrose — the highest of any commercial food sweetener. Used at parts-per-million levels in diet beverages, low-calorie dairy, chewing gum, and tabletop sweetener blends. Cleaner sweetness profile than aspartame; very small dose footprint.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight. Like neotame, the bulky N-substituent blocks enzymatic release of phenylalanine — no PKU warning required. Largely excreted unchanged.
Physical & chemical properties
White to off-white crystalline powder. Soluble in water and ethanol. More heat-stable than aspartame.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted in the EU (since 2014), US, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.