Acesulfame Potassium (E950)
Acesulfame K (E950) is a low-calorie sweetener, often blended with other sweeteners. It is authorised in the EU.
What it is
It sweetens diet drinks, sugar-free sweets, desserts and table-top sweeteners. On labels it appears as acesulfame K, acesulfame potassium or E950.
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Food |
|---|---|
| Adult | Medium |
| Child | Medium |
| Infant | Medium |
| Dog | Low |
| Cat | Low |
For people, the app takes a precautionary view and follows the 2023 WHO guideline, which advises against non-sugar sweeteners for weight control. For dogs and cats it carries the human signal over as a minor concern.
Basis of the ratings: limited or mixed data, errs on safety.
Possible concerns: Metabolic.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Adult (food), Child (food), Infant (food): Non-sugar sweetener: WHO 2023 advises against use for weight control; metabolic signals kept as precautionary Medium.
- Dog (food): No dog metabolic data; precautionary Low carried over from the human signal.
- Cat (food): No cat metabolic data; precautionary Low carried over from the human signal.
Rules and use
Authorised in the EU. Foods that contain sweeteners must say "with sweetener(s)" near the product name. EFSA completed the re-evaluation of acesulfame K in 2025 and set the acceptable daily intake at 15 mg per kg body weight per day.
Read the guide: E-numbers explained
Sources
- WHO 2023: guideline on the use of non-sugar sweeteners
- EFSA 2025: re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950)
- EFSA 2024: re-evaluation of saccharin and its salts (E 954)
- EFSA 2026: re-evaluation of sucralose (E 955)
- EFSA 2024: steviol glycosides (E 960a-d), extension of use and ADI for steviol
- EFSA 2025: re-evaluation of neotame (E 961)
Related ingredients
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.