Equal® Sweetener Conversion Chart
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener composed of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. It is about 180 times sweeter than sugar and contains about four calories per gram.
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NutraSweet® is the trade name for one manufacturer's products that contain aspartame (visit https://www.nutrasweet.com for more information).
More than 200 scientific studies have established the safety of aspartame. Conducted over the past 25 years by researchers at universities and health organizations throughout the world, these studies were rigorously reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration before aspartame was first approved for use in products. The FDA's approval has been supported by many regulatory agencies and medical associations around the world. In addition, FDA has reaffirmed the safety of aspartame 26 times over the past 23 years for use in different types of foods and beverages.
Because it breaks down when heated, aspartame is not recommended for baking. When used in cooking, it is usually added after foods are heated. Aspartame is commonly used in sugar-free soft drinks, gum, and candy. Heat-stable versions of aspartame are under development.
Since aspartame contains phenylalanine, it should not be used by persons with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare disease. In addition, some people are sensitive to aspartame and report headaches and other ill effects from its use. But for most people, aspartame is fine in moderate amounts.
Information courtesy of the NutraSweet Company.
Images and information courtesy of the NutraSweet Company.
Disclaimer: CooksRecipes.com is not affiliated with the NutraSweet Company; this information is provided as a courtesy to visitors.
