Aspartame

Aspartame, a low-calorie artificial sweetener, is widely used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage items. Comprising aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which are both naturally occurring amino acids, aspartame provides sweetness without the calories typically associated with conventional sugars. Being approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose, aspartame is an effective sweetening agent and is frequently employed in sugar-free or reduced-calorie products like diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and light desserts. Although aspartame has been subjected to occasional scrutiny and controversy, comprehensive scientific research supports its safety for consumption by the general population, except for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder. Aspartame's capacity to deliver sweetness without contributing to caloric intake has established it as a popular alternative to sugar in dietary preferences.