Origin
The production of E 950 takes place through a multi-stage chemical process. Acesulfam-K is derived from acetessigsäure. The end product is a colorless, sweet-tasting solid that dissolves well in water. The major advantage of E 950 lies in the fact that the substance is particularly heat-stable. Therefore, Acesulfam-K can be excellently used in products intended for cooking or baking.
Usage
E 950 is only allowed for specific foods in certain maximum amounts. E 950 can be found, for example, in canned sweet-sour pickled fruit or vegetables, gourmet salads, mustard, sauces, snack items, and alcoholic beverages. Since Acesulfam-K is not metabolized by the body and thus does not produce energy conversion, the substance is also found in a range of sugar-free foods such as low-energy spreads, sugar-free sweets, and sugar-free alcohol-free drinks.
Risks
Acesulfam-K is considered harmless. However, the sweetener is not ecologically benign because it passes through the human body without being metabolized and cannot be broken down in wastewater treatment plants either. Thus, the artificial sweetener E 950 accumulates in nature.