E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener)

Direct Answer

E950 (Acesulfame K / Ace-K) is a calorie-free, heat-stable synthetic potassium salt sweetener approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. INS 950, ADI is 9 mg/kg bw/day, famous for blending with sucralose and aspartame to produce sugar-identical taste curves.

Source: EFSA ANS Panel / US FDA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E950
INS / Codex Number	INS 950
Functional Class	Non-Nutritive High-Intensity Sweetener
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	9 mg / kg body weight per day
Relative Sweetness Index	200x Sucrose
Caloric Value	0.0 kcal / g (Excreted unchanged by kidneys) kcal/g
Primary Mechanism	High-affinity agonist for T1R2 + T1R3 sweet taste receptor dimer
Common Target Foods	Diet sodas (Coke Zero), sugar-free energy drinks, baked goods, sugar-free chewing gum
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Diabetic Safe, Dental Safe (Non-cariogenic)
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.800)

Synergy & Bitter Masking with Sucralose / Aspartame

Ace-K delivers a fast-onset sweetness onset but has a slight bitter aftertaste at high concentrations. When blended 1:1 with sucralose or aspartame, the fast onset of Ace-K combines with the lingering sweetness of sucralose, masking bitterness and mimicking sucrose's exact time-intensity curve.