Comparing E951 - Aspartame vs E959 - Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone

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Overview

E951 - Aspartame

Aspartame (E951) is a high-intensity sweetener about 200 times sweeter than table sugar, so only tiny amounts are needed to sweeten foods and drinks. It helps make “diet” and “sugar-free” products with fewer calories, but people with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid it because it contains phenylalanine.

E959 - Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone

Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone (NHDC), also called E959, is a high‑intensity sweetener made from a citrus compound found in bitter oranges. It delivers strong sweetness with very few calories and is used in small amounts to sweeten or round off flavor in foods and drinks.

Synonyms

E951

Aspartame

1-Methyl N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine

Asp-phe-ome

3-Amino-N-(alpha-methoxycarbonylphenethyl) succinamic acid

3-Amino-N-(α-carboxyphenethyl)succinamic acid N-methyl ester

L-Aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester

1-methyl N-L-α-aspartyl-L-phenylalanate

Aspartylphenylalanine methyl ester

3-Amino-N-(alpha-carboxyphenethyl)succinamic acid N-methyl ester

3-Amino-N-(α-methoxycarbonylphenethyl) succinamic acid

1-Methyl N-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-phenylalanate

E959

Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone

Neohesperidine DC

NHDC

Functions

sweetener

flavour enhancer sweetener

Origins

Synthetic

Plant

Synthetic

Products

Found in 3,750 products

Found in 8 products

Search rank & volume

#14101K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#400150 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×3.93

over-aware

×2.07

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 12 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Is aspartame bad for you?
For most people, no—regulators like EFSA, FDA, and WHO/JECFA consider aspartame safe at typical intakes within the acceptable daily intake (about 40–50 mg/kg body weight/day). People with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid it because it provides phenylalanine.
Does aspartame cause cancer?
Current evidence does not show a cancer risk at typical dietary exposures; EFSA, FDA, and WHO/JECFA have maintained its ADI and found it safe at current intakes. IARC classified it as “possibly carcinogenic” (Group 2B) in 2023 based on limited evidence, which did not change regulatory safety conclusions.
Does coke zero have aspartame?
Yes—Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar in many countries contains aspartame (often with acesulfame K); formulas can vary by market, so check your local label.
Why is aspartame bad for you?
It isn’t generally “bad” at normal food levels; the key exception is for people with PKU, who must avoid the phenylalanine it provides. Some individuals report sensitivities (e.g., headaches), so staying within the ADI is advised.
Does aspartame raise blood sugar?
No—aspartame does not raise blood glucose or insulin on its own and is considered suitable for people with diabetes within the ADI. Other ingredients in the food or drink may still affect blood sugar.