Ingredient · Updated
Acesulfame Potassium
Found in 32 productsSee all
Rockstar Recovery Orange with Electrolytes Energy Drink Can 
BSN Syntha-6 Chocolate Milkshake 
RYSE Loaded Protein Powder - Cinnamon Toast: 1 Package, Whey Isolate,, Powder Form, Vanilla & Cinnamon Flavors 
C4 Sport Pre-Workout 
Bucked Up Lightly carbonated protein green apple 
Ghost Energy Drink 
Alpha Lion SuperHuman Core Pre-Workout 
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein What is Acesulfame Potassium?
Acesulfame Potassium is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener. It is made by combining acetoacetic acid and potassium, resulting in a white crystalline powder that's about 200 times sweeter than sucrose.
Used to enhance sweetness without adding calories, Acesulfame Potassium is popular in sugar-free and reduced-sugar products. Health concerns are debated: some studies suggest potential carcinogenic effects, but regulatory authorities find it safe in moderate amounts.
When reading labels, note that it's often found in combination with other sweeteners to achieve a more sugar-like taste and to mask its slightly bitter aftertaste.
Commonly found in: diet sodas, sugar-free candies, baked goods, chewing gum, flavored water
What to watch
- Some studies suggest a potential link to cancer in very high doses, though standard dietary levels are considered safe.
- Concerns exist over its effect on metabolism and gut microbiota, though evidence remains inconclusive.
Benefits
- Provides sweetness without calories, beneficial for calorie-restricted diets.
Acesulfame Potassium is approved by the FDA as a general-purpose sweetener, deemed safe when consumed within the recommended daily intake.
While some animal studies raise concern over health impacts at high doses, human studies have not definitively proven these risks.
Acesulfame Potassium is synthetically produced and contains no animal products, making it suitable for vegans.
Sources: Everything Added to Food in the United States (EAFUS)
Scout's take
Artificial sweetener (Ace-K) with limited long-term safety data. Contains methylene chloride, a potential carcinogen. Often paired with sucralose to mask aftertaste — a double artificial sweetener load.
The case against
Potential health concerns include metabolic effects and altered gut microbiota.
from the analysis of Fairlife CHOCOLATE 2% REDUCED FAT ULTRA-FILTERED MILK · echoed in 1 other analysisPotential long-term health effects and may affect metabolic processes.
from the analysis of Propel Berry Water Beverage 20 Fluid Ounce Plastic Bottle · echoed in 1 other analysisPotential carcinogenicity concerns. May disrupt gut microbiome when combined with sucralose. Poorly studied for long-term safety.
from the analysis of C4 Sport Pre-WorkoutPotential metabolic effects and health concerns associated with artificial sweeteners.
from the analysis of Rockstar Recovery Orange with Electrolytes Energy Drink CanPotential metabolic and gut health concerns with excessive consumption.
from the analysis of Fairlife Nutrition Plan High Protein Chocolate Shake 12 pk.The case for
Provides sweetness without adding calories.
from the analysis of Bucked Up Lightly carbonated protein green apple · echoed in 5 other analysesProvides sweetness without contributing to calorie intake.
from the analysis of RYSE Loaded Protein Powder - Cinnamon Toast: 1 Package, Whey Isolate,, Powder Form, Vanilla & Cinnamon Flavors · echoed in 1 other analysisProvides sweetness without calories, aiding in calorie control.
from the analysis of Splash Blast SPLASH WATER BEVERAGEEnhances sweetness without contributing calories.
from the analysis of Gatorade Zero GLACIER FREEZE ZERO SUGAR THIRST QUENCHERProvides zero-calorie sweetness.
from the analysis of C4 Sport Pre-WorkoutMore from Scout's analyses
Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener used to enhance sweetness without adding calories. It is often used in combination with other sweeteners. Concerns exist about its long-term health effects and potential to disrupt metabolic processes.
from the analysis of David Protein BarArtificial sweetener with limited long-term safety data. Double artificial sweetener load stacked with sucralose.
from the analysis of Monster Energy Zero UltraSecond artificial sweetener stacked with sucralose. Double artificial sweetener load.
from the analysis of Muscle Milk Genuine Zero Sugar Protein ShakeAll 32 products with Acesulfame Potassium
+ 8 more products in the Scout app
Where Acesulfame Potassium shows up
- Protein Powders 13 products
- Energy Drinks 7 products
- Hydration 5 products
- Pre-Workout 3 products
- Milk 1 product
- Protein Bars 1 product
Higher-scoring picks without Acesulfame Potassium
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Acesulfame Potassium, scoring 80 or above.
Scan any product to see every ingredient explained — and healthier swaps.