E962 Neotame – Sweetener: Effects and Safety
E962 (Neotame) is a synthetic high-intensity sweetener approved as a food additive in the EU, offering a sweetness many thousands of times greater than sugar.
Things worth knowing about "E962"
E962 (Neotame) is a synthetic high-intensity sweetener approved as a food additive in the EU, offering a sweetness many thousands of times greater than sugar.
What is E962 (Neotame)?
E962, commonly known as Neotame, is an artificial high-intensity sweetener developed by NutraSweet. It is a chemical derivative of aspartame (E951) and is approximately 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than ordinary table sugar (sucrose). Because of this extraordinary sweetness potency, only very small quantities are needed in food production. In the European Union, E962 is officially approved under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives.
Production and Chemical Properties
Neotame is produced synthetically. It is a dipeptide derivative chemically composed of the amino acids aspartic acid and phenylalanine, with an additional 3,3-dimethylbutyl group attached to the nitrogen atom. This structural modification prevents the body from breaking Neotame down into free phenylalanine — unlike aspartame. As a result, E962 is considered safe for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) and does not require a PKU warning on labels.
Use in Food Products
Due to its extreme sweetness intensity, Neotame is used in very small amounts. It is heat-stable, making it suitable for cooking and baking applications. Common uses in the food industry include:
- Soft drinks and refreshment beverages
- Diet and light products
- Confectionery and chewing gum
- Dairy products and desserts
- Baked goods
- Table-top sweeteners
Safety and Regulatory Assessment
Both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have classified Neotame as safe for human consumption. The EFSA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0–2 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. Under normal dietary conditions, typical exposure to Neotame remains well below this limit.
Possible Side Effects and Tolerability
When consumed within the established ADI, Neotame is generally well tolerated. Because it does not release free phenylalanine during metabolism, it is also safe for people with phenylketonuria. Occasional mild digestive discomfort has been reported by sensitive individuals, but such reports are rare. Regulatory authorities continue to monitor the scientific literature for any evidence of long-term effects.
Labeling Requirements
In the EU, food products containing E962 must declare it in the ingredient list either by its E-number E962 or by its name Neotame. Unlike aspartame (E951), no phenylketonuria advisory statement is required on the label.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the safety of neotame as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2007.
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Additional Information about High-Intensity Sweeteners Permitted for Use in Food in the United States, 2018.
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