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Ingredient Guide

🇪🇺 Aspartame on Food Labels in EU

Aspartame is permitted but requires specific warning statements in European Union: declare as "aspartame (E951)" with the required warning: "Contains a source of phenylalanine".

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What the Rule Is

Intense artificial sweetener approximately 200× sweeter than sucrose, widely used in diet products. In European Union, Aspartame is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food sweetener. Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 requires the phenylalanine warning because aspartame breaks down into phenylalanine, which is dangerous for people with PKU (phenylketonuria). Warning must appear on label near the ingredient list.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "aspartame (E951)" in the ingredient list
  • Include the required warning: "Contains a source of phenylalanine"
  • Declare with functional class: "sweetener" and E-number E951
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Missing the mandatory warning: "Contains a source of phenylalanine"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Aspartame
  • Omitting the E-number E951 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Aspartame content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"sweetener: aspartame (E951)" + warning: "Contains a source of phenylalanine"
"aspartame (E951)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... aspartame (E951) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Equal, AminoSweet) without the approved declaration name
Missing the required warning statement near the ingredient declaration
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Aspartame and all its common names (NutraSweet, Equal, AminoSweet, E951) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and mandatory warning statements under EU rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How must Aspartame be declared on food labels in EU?

Declare as "aspartame (E951)" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: "Contains a source of phenylalanine". Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 requires the phenylalanine warning because aspartame breaks down into phenylalanine, which is dangerous for people with PKU (phenylketonuria). Warning must appear on label near the ingredient list.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Aspartame?

Aspartame may appear under the following names: NutraSweet, Equal, AminoSweet, E951, APM. Common hidden sources include: Diet soft drinks, Sugar-free gum, Low-calorie yoghurt, Tabletop sweeteners, Some medicines, Diet desserts.

Is Aspartame banned or restricted in any market?

Requires mandatory warnings in: EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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