Acesulfame-potassium, also known as Acesulfame-K or Ace-K and marketed as Sunnette or Sweet One, is a calorie-free artificial sweetener found in over 4,000 products worldwide. It is often found in chewing gum, diet sodas, and light fruit drinks, and because it is heat stable, it is widely used to make sugar-free desserts and baked goods.

Acesulfame-potassium is made by transforming an organic intermediate, acetoacetic acid, with potassium to form a highly stable, crystalline sweetener that is 180-200 times sweeter than sugar.

Though it has approval from the Food and Drug Administration, Acesulfame-potassium has not been properly tested to determine its safety for human consumption. To date, the FDA has not required further testing, even though early studies indicated that the additive may cause cancer in animals.

Acesulfame potassium is not metabolized or stored in the body. After consumption, it is quickly excreted unaltered.

Lisa Tsakos