synthetic additive Synthetic Additive Oral

Neotame

A high-potency artificial sweetener structurally related to aspartame, but metabolized differently and not a source of phenylalanine.

Sci.N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-α-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester neotame
1 form
Oral

About Neotame

Neotame is a high-intensity artificial sweetener derived from aspartame, but with significantly greater potency and altered metabolic properties. It is chemically N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-α-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester. Unlike aspartame, neotame is not metabolized to phenylalanine in significant amounts, making it safe for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU). It is approved as a general-purpose sweetener and flavor enhancer in foods and beverages.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
3964

At a glance

Approval status

GRAS (FDA), approved food additive (EFSA, JECFA, others)

Compare All Forms

1 form

Compare supplement forms of Neotame by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Neotame

Artificial sweetener; zero-calorie sugar substitute.

  • UNII: VJ597D52EX
  • CAS: 165450-17-9
  • Label category: synthetic
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Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

E961

Type: Synthetic Additive

Category for Synthetic Additive ingredients

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Neotame forms:

Dental Health Blood sugar management Sugar Reduction / Calorie Control Heat and pH Stability

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Neotame forms:

Rare Allergy How serious: Mild Allergic Reaction (rare) How serious: Moderate Gastrointestinal Discomfort How serious: low

What does the research say?

Regulatory approval is based on extensive safety evaluations, including metabolism, toxicology, and clinical studies. Neotame is rapidly metabolized to de-esterified neotame and methanol, which are then excreted, with no accumulation in the body. Studies indicate it does not affect blood glucose or insulin levels and is non-cariogenic. Long-term and multigenerational animal studies have shown no adverse effects at doses far exceeding typical human intake, supporting its safety for general consumption.