Comparison
Acesulfame Potassium vs Sucralose
The short answer
Sucralose tastes more like sugar; Ace-K has a slightly bitter finish on its own, which is why the two are often blended. For baking, Ace-K is the safer bet because sucralose can break down at high oven temperatures.| Side by side | Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) | Sucralose (Splenda) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety score | 62/100 Use in moderation | 60/100 Use in moderation |
| Sweetness vs sugar | About 200× | About 600× |
| Taste on its own | Slightly bitter aftertaste | Closest to sugar ✓ Better |
| Baking above 120 °C | Stable ✓ Better | Can break down into chlorinated compounds |
| Safe daily limit (EFSA) | 15 mg per kg | 15 mg per kg |
| Calories and blood sugar | Zero / none | Zero / none |
| Safety score | 62 | 60 |
Swapping one for the other
You'll rarely choose between them at the store: most diet sodas and "zero sugar" drinks use both. For home baking, consider erythritol, allulose or a stevia blend instead.
Common questions
Why are they used together?
Each one masks the other's aftertaste, and the blend tastes sweeter than either alone, so less of each is needed.