Ingredients --

Neotame

Chemical Formula:

Synonyms

N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L--aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester

Description

Neotame is an artificial sweetener designed to overcome some of the problems with aspartame.

The dimethylbutyl part of the molecule was added to block the action of peptidases, enzymes that break the peptide bond between the two amino acids aspartic acid and phenylalanine. This reduces the availability of phenylalanine, eliminating the need for a warning on labels directed at people who cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine.

Neotame does not break down with the heat of cooking, another drawback to aspartame.

Neotame is also 30 times sweeter than aspartame, so less of it is needed to sweeten a product.

Uses

Neotame is about 8,000 times sweeter than sugar, so only 6 milligrams is needed to sweeten a typical 12 ounce soft drink.

Neotame is used in tabletop sweeteners, frozen desserts, chewing gum and candy, baked goods, fruit spreads, and ready-to-eat cereals.