E961 Sweetener

E961  is a non-caloric artificial sweetener and aspartame analog by NutraSweet. By mass, it is times sweeter than sucrose. It has no notable off-flavors when compared to sucrose. It enhances original food flavors. It can be used alone but is often mixed with other sweeteners to increase their individual sweetness (i.e. synergistic effect) and decrease their off-flavors (e.g. saccharin). It is chemically somewhat more stable than aspartame. Its use can be cost-effective in comparison to other sweeteners as smaller amounts of E961 are needed.

It is suitable for use in carbonated soft drinks, yogurts, cakes, drink powders, bubble gums among other foods. It can be used as a tabletop sweetener for hot drinks like coffee. It covers bitter tastes (e.g. caffeine).

In, FDA approved it as a non-nutritive sweetener and flavor enhancer within the United States in foods generally, except meat and poultry., it was approved for use in foods within the EU with the E number E961. It has also been approved as an additive in many other countries outside the US and EU.

Its metabolism is fast and it does not remain in the body. Methanol forms in its metabolism. Only trace amounts of E961 are added to foods, so the amount of methanol is insignificant for health. It is safe for type 2 diabetics and those with phenylketonuria.