E950

E950 , Acesulfame K

Medium risk Controversial sweetener

Why this classification

200x sweeter than sugar. EFSA under review 2024.

Products containing E950

Fromage blanc fraise

pilos

C

High Protein Raspberry Quark

linessa

C

Yaourt Proteiné Cerise Griotte

pilos

C

Light and Free

danone

C

Actimel 0% de mg 100 g x 12 nature

actimel

C

Pro+ Yaourt à Boire Saveur Exotiques

lindahls

C

Whey

prozis

C

Fit & Protein

gerlinea

C

Boisson-repas

tasty

C

Light & free fraise

danone

C

Common uses in industrial food

Acesulfame K (E950) is used by food manufacturers for replacing sugar in low-calorie drinks, dairy desserts, chewing gum and tabletop sweeteners. It is most often listed in the ingredient panel as E950, Acesulfame K, or under one of its trade names. On a NutriDécrypte product page, this additive contributes to the additives axis (20% of the overall A to E grade), and triggers a label warning when its EFSA risk level is medium or high.

If you want to limit your exposure to this additive, the simplest tactic is to read the ingredients list (not just the front-of-pack), and to favour products graded A or B in our independent catalog. Less processed, NOVA-1 or NOVA-2 categories rarely contain it.

Related additives in the same family

Other E-numbers classified as sweetener in the EU food additives registry. Their risk profile and behaviour on a label are often similar.

Frequently asked questions

Is E950 (Acesulfame K) safe?

EFSA classifies the risk level of E950 as medium risk in its latest review. It is also flagged as controversial by independent toxicology reviewers, meaning the scientific consensus is contested. Always read the latest official opinion before drawing conclusions for your own diet, and consult a registered dietitian for medical questions.

What is E950 typically used for?

Food manufacturers use Acesulfame K primarily for replacing sugar in low-calorie drinks, dairy desserts, chewing gum and tabletop sweeteners. You will most often find it in ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4) and rarely in unprocessed or minimally processed products (NOVA 1 or 2).

How can I avoid E950 on a label?

Look for the code E950 or its full name Acesulfame K in the ingredients list, usually printed in small font on the back of the pack. Cooking from raw ingredients, choosing NOVA-1 or NOVA-2 alternatives, and using the NutriDécrypte rankings to filter by grade A or B are the three most reliable strategies.