Additive · Sweetener

Aspartame (E951)

Aspartame (E951) is a sweetener that Digestoa flags as high risk. Common concerns include possible carcinogen (iarc 2b, 2023).

Digestoa riskHigh risk

TypeSweetener

Found inDiet sodas, sugar-free gum, light yogurts, tabletop sweeteners and many 'no added sugar' products.

ConcernsPossible carcinogen (IARC 2B, 2023) · Headaches · Not for PKU

What is Aspartame?

Aspartame is an intense artificial sweetener about 200× sweeter than sugar, used to sweeten 'diet' and 'zero sugar' products without calories. In 2023 the WHO's cancer agency (IARC) classified it as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B).

Is Aspartame bad for you?

Digestoa flags Aspartame as high risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including possible carcinogen (iarc 2b, 2023), headaches, not for pku. How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

Possible carcinogen (IARC 2B, 2023)
Headaches
Not for PKU

What foods contain Aspartame?

Diet sodas, sugar-free gum, light yogurts, tabletop sweeteners and many 'no added sugar' products..

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Aspartame. But it's a useful flag: when you see E951 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

If you want sweetness without aspartame, look for products using stevia (E960) or erythritol — or unsweetened versions.

Frequently asked questions

Is E951 the same as Aspartame?

Yes — E951 is the international additive (E-number) code for Aspartame.

Is Aspartame bad for you?

Digestoa flags Aspartame (E951) as high risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as possible carcinogen (iarc 2b, 2023).

What are the side effects of Aspartame?

Reported concerns include: Possible carcinogen (IARC 2B, 2023); Headaches; Not for PKU.

What foods contain Aspartame?

Diet sodas, sugar-free gum, light yogurts, tabletop sweeteners and many 'no added sugar' products..

How can I avoid Aspartame?

Check the ingredients list for "Aspartame" or "E951", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related sweetener additives

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