Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial non-saccharide sweetener
Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial non-saccharide sweetener
What is Aspartame?
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute in a wide range of food and beverage products. It is made up of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, and is approximately 200 times sweeter than table sugar.
Aspartame was first approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981, and is now used in thousands of products worldwide. It is often used in diet soft drinks, chewing gum, and other low-calorie or sugar-free products.
Origin
Aspartame was discovered by accident in 1965 by a chemist named James Schlatter, who was working for the pharmaceutical company G.D. Searle & Company. Schlatter was working on developing a new anti-ulcer drug when he accidentally got some of the substance on his fingers and then licked them clean. He noticed that the substance was incredibly sweet and began to investigate its potential as a sugar substitute.
The compound that Schlatter discovered was made up of two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which are naturally occurring substances found in many foods. When these two amino acids are combined, they form a dipeptide that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar.
After discovering the sweetening properties of the compound, Searle began testing it as a sugar substitute in various foods and beverages. In 1981, after years of testing and regulatory review, aspartame was approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Since its discovery, aspartame has become one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners in the world, and is found in thousands of products ranging from soft drinks and chewing gum to baked goods and snack foods.
Commercial Production of Aspartame
The commercial production of aspartame involves a complex process that begins with the fermentation of amino acids.
- Fermentation: The two amino acids that make up aspartame, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, are produced through a fermentation process. In this process, bacteria are grown in large fermentation tanks and fed a mixture of glucose and other nutrients. The bacteria then produce the two amino acids as waste products.
- Purification: Once the amino acids are produced, they are extracted from the fermentation broth and purified using a series of chemical reactions and filtration steps. This process involves separating out impurities and unwanted byproducts to produce a pure form of phenylalanine and aspartic acid.
- Condensation: The purified amino acids are then combined in a condensation reaction to form aspartame. This involves combining the two amino acids with a methyl ester group, which helps to stabilize the molecule and improve its sweetness.
- Crystallization: The resulting aspartame solution is then cooled and crystallized to produce a solid form of the sweetener. This process involves filtering out impurities and allowing the aspartame crystals to grow and form a uniform product.
- Packaging and distribution: Once the aspartame is produced and packaged into large bags or drums, it is shipped to food and beverage manufacturers around the world for use as a sweetener in a wide range of products.
Overall, the production of aspartame is a complex process that requires careful monitoring and quality control to ensure a safe and consistent product.
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Function
The primary function of aspartame is as an artificial sweetener to provide a sweet taste to food and beverage products without adding significant calories. Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
Aspartame is often used in low-calorie and sugar-free products such as soft drinks, chewing gum, and desserts. It can also be found in some medications and vitamins.
In addition to its use as a sweetener, aspartame can also be used to enhance the flavor of some food and beverage products. When combined with other ingredients, it can create a unique taste profile and improve the overall flavor of a product.
Aspartame does not provide any nutritional value, as it is not a source of carbohydrates, fats, or proteins. However, it can be useful for individuals who are trying to reduce their calorie intake or manage blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes. Overall, the primary function of aspartame is to provide a sweet taste without adding significant calories to food and beverages.
Aspartame Application
Aspartame has a wide range of applications as an artificial sweetener in the food and beverage industry. Some of the most common applications of aspartame include:
- Soft drinks: Aspartame is a popular sweetener in many soft drinks, including diet sodas and other low-calorie beverages.
- Chewing gum: Aspartame is often used in sugar-free chewing gum to provide a sweet taste without adding calories.
- Desserts: Aspartame can be used in a variety of dessert products, including ice cream, yogurt, and other sweet treats.
- Baked goods: Aspartame can be used in baking to sweeten cakes, cookies, and other baked goods without adding calories or affecting the texture.
- Pharmaceuticals: Aspartame is sometimes used in medications and supplements as a sweetener to make them more palatable.
- Tabletop sweeteners: Aspartame can be found in small packets or containers as a tabletop sweetener that can be added to coffee, tea, or other beverages.
Overall, aspartame is a versatile sweetener that can be used in a wide range of products to provide a sweet taste without adding significant calories. It is especially popular in low-calorie and sugar-free products, and is a common ingredient in many foods and beverages around the world.
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Product Range
- Aspartame granular
- Aspartame powder
- Aspartame fine powder
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