Digestoa
Additive · Sweetener

Acesulfame K (E950)

Acesulfame K (E950) is a sweetener that Digestoa flags as moderate risk. Common concerns include appetite/metabolic concerns.

Digestoa riskModerate risk
TypeSweetener
Found inDiet sodas, sugar-free gum and desserts, protein products and tabletop sweeteners.
ConcernsAppetite/metabolic concerns · Artificial sweetener

What is Acesulfame K?

Acesulfame K is a calorie-free artificial sweetener, often blended with other sweeteners to round out taste.

Is Acesulfame K bad for you?

Digestoa flags Acesulfame K as moderate risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including appetite/metabolic concerns, artificial sweetener. How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

What foods contain Acesulfame K?

Diet sodas, sugar-free gum and desserts, protein products and tabletop sweeteners..

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Acesulfame K. But it's a useful flag: when you see E950 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Prefer products sweetened with stevia (E960) or erythritol.

Frequently asked questions

Is E950 the same as Acesulfame K?
Yes — E950 is the international additive (E-number) code for Acesulfame K.
Is Acesulfame K bad for you?
Digestoa flags Acesulfame K (E950) as moderate risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as appetite/metabolic concerns.
What are the side effects of Acesulfame K?
Reported concerns include: Appetite/metabolic concerns; Artificial sweetener.
What foods contain Acesulfame K?
Diet sodas, sugar-free gum and desserts, protein products and tabletop sweeteners..
How can I avoid Acesulfame K?
Check the ingredients list for "Acesulfame K" or "E950", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related sweetener additives

Aspartame (E951)Sucralose (E955)Cyclamate (E952)Saccharin (E954)Neotame (E961)Erythritol (E968)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.