Aspartam

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

A synthetic artificial sweetener made of two amino acids (aspartic acid and phenylalanine). It is roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar. Its source is synthetic, not animal.

Where it is used

Used in diet and sugar-free drinks, chewing gum, sugar-free desserts, table sweeteners and some medicines.

Health note

People with phenylketonuria (PKU) must not use it under any circumstances (a warning on the label is mandatory). Although its safety has been approved by scientific bodies within an accepted daily limit, in 2023 the IARC, part of the World Health Organization, placed it in the 'possibly carcinogenic' class and the debate continues. Caution is advised from the standpoint of the 'tayyib' principle.

Halal assessment

It is chemical or synthetic in origin and contains no animal matter; in that respect there is no halal obstacle. However, because of the health debate and the 'halal and tayyib (clean/wholesome)' principle, it has been left as doubtful; the decision rests with the consumer.