What is Aspartame?
Aspartame (L-alpha-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 vegetable
and their juices.

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.

Home |
What is Aspartame? |
Aspartame in the Diet |
Safety of Aspartame
Aspartame Use by Special Groups |
Other Aspartame Resources
Aspartame Q&A Brochure(pdf)

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