E962 — Salt of aspartame-acesulfame
E962 (Salt of aspartame-acesulfame), a sweetener, is rated "avoid": worth avoiding. A co-crystal combining aspartame and acesulfame K in one molecule. Carries the same IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic) concern that applies to aspartame.
What is Salt of aspartame-acesulfame?
A co-crystal that combines aspartame and acesulfame K into one chemical structure. Used to get a sweeter, less bitter combined flavor in chewing gum, diet drinks, and tabletop sweeteners.
What does it do to the body?
Once dissolved in food it behaves as a 64/36 mix of aspartame and acesulfame K. The aspartame component carries the IARC Group 2B classification. Same caution applies to people with phenylketonuria, who must avoid the aspartame portion.
What regulators say
EFSA covered it under the existing aspartame and acesulfame K acceptable daily intakes. IARC classified aspartame as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic) in 2023.
Risk rating: Avoid
Known or suspected to cause harm: a substance EFSA or another regulator has flagged, or one restricted in some jurisdictions. Best kept out of a regular diet.
Source: IARC — aspartame assessment (2023) ↗