A low-calorie sweetener roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar, made from two amino acids.
Hazard vs risk
In 2023, IARC classified aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic' (Group 2B, limited evidence). JECFA, which assesses risk at real intakes, kept the acceptable daily intake at 40 mg/kg body weight.
PKU
Contains phenylalanine. People with phenylketonuria must avoid it — labels carry a warning.
Evidence & sources
IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic (2B); JECFA reaffirmed an ADI of 40 mg/kg bw/day. Evidence: limited. Known: Two WHO-linked bodies answered different questions: hazard identification vs safe intake level. Unknown: Limited evidence on cancer in humans; more research was called for. Source: WHO / IARC / JECFA, Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released (July 2023).