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E950 Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)

E950SweetenersOrigin: Lab-made
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Every diet

VeganYes
Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes

Zero calories and no blood sugar rise.

Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, E950) is a zero-calorie sweetener approved in the US, EU and Canada. EFSA re-checked it in 2025 and raised its daily limit. It's usually paired with sucralose or aspartame to hide a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE950
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesSweeteners
Glycemic index0
Daily limit15 mg/kg
Also calledAcesulfame potassium, Acesulfame K

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere. The FDA approved it for general use in 2003. In its 2025 re-evaluation EFSA found no safety concern and raised its daily limit from 9 to 15 mg per kg of body weight, matching JECFA.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

1.1 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 15 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 300 mg a day.

What is it?

Ace-K is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Your body doesn't break it down; it's passed in urine unchanged. It holds up to heat, so it works in baked goods.

Where it comes from: Made in a factory from an organic acid, then turned into a potassium salt. It doesn't occur in nature.

Why it’s in food

  • Sweetens without calories
  • Rounds out the taste of other sweeteners
  • Stays stable in heat and long storage

Often found in

Diet sodaProtein shakesSugar-free gumLight yogurtTabletop sweeteners

Also listed as: Acesulfame potassium, Acesulfame K, Ace-K, Sunett, Sweet One

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewBenefit

EFSA's 2025 re-evaluation found no safety concern at current intakes and raised the daily limit.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2025)

Weight controlConcern

The WHO advises against relying on sweeteners for weight loss.

WHO Guideline on Non-sugar Sweeteners (2023)

What can I use instead?

Stevia

Ratio: Follow package

Best for: Drinks

Monk fruit

Ratio: Follow package

Best for: Coffee and baking

Related

Acesulfame Potassium vs Sucralose

More sweeteners:

AlluloseAllulose is a "rare sugar" that tastes like sugar but has almost no calories and doesn't raise blood sugar. It's keto-friendly and browns like real sugar in baking.Generally safeAspartame E951Aspartame (E951) is a zero-calorie sweetener in diet soda. It's approved, but WHO's cancer agency called it "possibly carcinogenic" in 2023, and people with PKU must avoid it.Use in moderationErythritol E968Erythritol (E968) is a zero-calorie sugar alcohol popular in keto foods. A 2023 study linked high blood levels to heart risk, and large amounts can upset your stomach.Use in moderationHigh-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)High-fructose corn syrup is a liquid sugar made from corn. It's vegan and gluten-free, but it's sugar: not keto, not low-FODMAP, and best limited.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Acesulfame Potassium safe?

Use in moderation (62/100). Approved everywhere. The FDA approved it for general use in 2003. In its 2025 re-evaluation EFSA found no safety concern and raised its daily limit from 9 to 15 mg per kg of body weight, matching JECFA.

Is Acesulfame Potassium vegan?

Yes.

Is Acesulfame Potassium gluten-free?

Yes.

Why is Ace-K almost always listed with another sweetener?

On its own it can taste a little bitter. Mixed with sucralose or aspartame, the blend tastes closer to sugar, so less of each is needed.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 172.800 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E950
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2025)
  • WHO Guideline on Non-sugar Sweeteners (2023)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 950 · CAS 55589-62-3