Ask Extension

The most recently-approved low-calorie sweetener, neotame was approved by the FDA in 2002 as a general purpose sweetener. Extensive review of over 100 scientific studies was completed prior to approval. Neotame has also been approved for use in multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Australia. Neotame is an artificial sweetener made by NutraSweet that is between 8,000 and 13,000 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). Neotame is not marketed under any brand names yet. It is partially absorbed, but rapidly metabolized and excreted, rendering it essentially calorie-free. Neotame is heat stable; thus, it can be used in cooking and baking.

Although it is related to aspartame, it doesn't carry the same warning about phenylalanine, because a minimal amount of phenylalanine is produced during digestion. Because of the extraordinary sweetening power of a small amount of neotame, the level of exposure to phenylalanine as it is released into the bloodstream is considered clinically insignificant. Therefore, products sweetened with neotame are not required to carry a statement on the label alerting persons with PKU to the presence of phenylalanine.

Additional Resources:

http://www.foodsafety.ksu.edu/en/faq-details.php?a=1&fc=38&id=7836