ACESULFAME POTASSIUM (PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND USE IN FOOD)

Acesulfame Potassium is an another type of artificial sweetener. It has been routinely used for last 15 years as a sugar substitute in a variety of diet food products to impart a sweet taste. Currently is being used in more than 90 countries. Like Aspartame, it is also an Artificial substance manufactured in the laboratory by a chemical process.

How does Acesulfame Potassium is made?

Acesulfame Potassium is prepared through a chemical process. It involves the transformation of an organic intermediate, Acetoacetic Acid, and its combination with the naturally occurring Mineral, Potassium, to form a highly stable, Crystalline Sweetener.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISITICS OF ACESULFAME POTASSIUM?

The Acesulfame Potassium has the following characteristics,

• It is an Artificial Sweetener. It is not available in nature but manufactured in the laboratory under a chemical process.
• It is manufactured by reacting Flurosulfonyl Isocyanate with Acetoacetic acid.
• It is a Non-Carbohydrate (Though it is sweet in taste, chemically it is not related to sugar).
• It is approximately 200 times sweeter than common sugar (Sucrose).
• Due to its intense sweetness it is required in a very less quantity, hence it is called as Non- Caloric sweetener.
• Chemically it is known as a Potassium salt.
• Physically it is a White Crystalline Powder.
• It is also denoted by additive code as E-950.
• It is also denoted by name ACE-K.
• It is stable under high temperature and also under moderately Acidic/Alkaline environment.
• This property makes it eligible to be used in the food items that require high temperature during cooking.
• It can also be used in the baked food items.
• Acesulfame potassium can degrade into Acetoacetamide which can be toxic.

 

 

WHAT ARE THE FOOD PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN ACESULFAME POTASSIUM?

Currently Acesulfame Potassium is being used in variety of Low calorie food items. The list of some of these food items:

1. Tabletop sweeteners
2. Dairy products
3. Dry bases for beverages, instant coffee, and instant tea.
4. Dry bases for dairy product analogs.
5. Ice creams
6. Desserts
7. Dry bases for gelatins, puddings, and pudding desserts.
8. Jelly and Marmalade
9. Baked foods
10. Toothpaste and Mouthwash
11. Chewing gum
12. Confections, hard candy, and soft candy.
13. Marinades
14. Yogurt and Milk products
15. Breakfast cereals
16. Salad dressings and Sauces
17. Condiments

 

Though Acesulfame Potassium is routinely being used in variety of commercial diet food items, like Aspartame it is also not devoid of Adverse health effects.

In the next article will understand how harmful the regular use of Acesulfame Potassium can be for our health. And what are those adverse effects on health.