E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
E951 (Aspartame) is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide yielding ~200x the sweetness of sucrose. INS 951, ADI is 40 mg/kg bw/day, the historic sweetener in Diet Coke and tabletop sweetener packets.
E965 (Maltitol) is a disaccharide polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of maltose derived from cornstarch. INS 965(i), ADI is Not Specified (Excessive consumption may have laxative effect), delivering 90% the sweetness of sugar with 2.1 kcal/g.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E951 | E965 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 951 | INS 965(i) (Powder) / 965(ii) (Syrup) |
|
Functional Class
|
High-Intensity Artificial Sweetener | Bulk Sweetener, Humectant, Texturizer |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
40 mg / kg body weight per day (US FDA: 50 mg/kg) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Laxative warning required) |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
200x Sucrose | 90% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
4.0 kcal / g (Negligible at use levels / ~0.1 kcal per serving) kcal/g | 2.1 kcal / g (47% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Diet sodas, tabletop sweetener packets (Equal), sugar-free gelatin desserts, drink mixes | Sugar-free chocolates, sugar-free gummy bears, baked bars, chewing gum |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, Contains Phenylalanine (Warning for PKU patients mandatory) | Vegan (Cornstarch origin), Halal, Kosher, Non-cariogenic |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.804) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1444) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Stimulates T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors with clean, sugar-like taste profile | — |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 35 (Maltitol powder) / 52 (Maltitol syrup) |