Introduction

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products. Here are some key points about aspartame:

1. Chemical Composition: Aspartame is a dipeptide methyl ester composed of two amino acids—phenylalanine and aspartic acid—along with a methyl group. It is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), which allows it to provide sweetness without the calories associated with sugar.

2. Low-Calorie Sweetener: Because of its intense sweetness, only a small amount of aspartame is needed to achieve the desired sweetness level, making it a popular choice in low-calorie and sugar-free products. It is frequently found in diet sodas, sugar-free chewing gum, yogurts, and various desserts.

3. Metabolism: The body metabolizes aspartame into its constituent amino acids (phenylalanine and aspartic acid) and methanol, all of which are naturally occurring substances in the diet. This means that aspartame contributes very few calories to the diet.

4. Taste Profile: Aspartame has a taste profile similar to sugar, although some consumers report a slight aftertaste. It is often blended with other sweeteners to enhance flavor and mitigate aftertaste effects.

Specification