LabelGuard
Sign InGet Started
Ingredient Guide

🇺🇸 Aspartame on Food Labels in US

Aspartame is permitted but requires specific warning statements in United States: declare as "aspartame" with the required warning: "PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE".

Check My Label for US CompliancePaste Ingredients List
What the Rule Is

Intense artificial sweetener approximately 200× sweeter than sucrose, widely used in diet products. In United States, Aspartame is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food sweetener. FDA regulation 21 CFR 172.804 requires this specific PKU warning statement. Must be prominently placed. The phrase "PHENYLKETONURICS:" must precede the warning.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "aspartame" in the ingredient list
  • Include the required warning: "PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS 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: "PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS 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" + warning: "PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE"
"aspartame" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... aspartame ..."

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 US rules.

Start Your Compliance Check
Frequently Asked Questions

How must Aspartame be declared on food labels in US?

Declare as "aspartame" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: "PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE". FDA regulation 21 CFR 172.804 requires this specific PKU warning statement. Must be prominently placed. The phrase "PHENYLKETONURICS:" must precede the warning.

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.

Ensure US Compliance

Get your label checked against all US regulations in seconds.

  • AI-powered compliance check
  • 200+ regulatory checks
  • Detailed violation reports
  • Fix suggestions included
Start Compliance Check

Starting at $29 per label check

Related Resources
US Compliance Hub

Explore all US labeling requirements in one place.

View US Hub

Ready to Ensure Full US Compliance?

LabelGuard checks your labels against all FDCA & FSMA requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.

Start Your First Check - $29View Pricing Plans

Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide