Acesulfame potassium
Acesulfame potassium suppliers and sourcing guide
Acesulfame potassium is the potassium salt of 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4(3H)-one-2,2-dioxide, a synthetic high-intensity sweetener. It is made by reacting an acetoacetic acid derivative with sulfamic acid, closing the ring, and neutralizing with potassium hydroxide, then crystallizing the salt. FDA describes it as about 200 times sweeter than table sugar and heat stable, and it is usually bought as a white crystalline powder, often to pair with sucralose or aspartame.
- Category
- Sweeteners
- Also known as
- Acesulfame K · Ace-K · E950 · CAS 55589-62-3
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of acesulfame potassium
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Crystalline granular
Standard free-flowing crystals for dissolving in beverage syrups and for general production use.
Fine powder
Milled grade for dry blends such as drink mixes and powdered supplements, where even dispersion matters.
Sweetener blends
Acesulfame potassium pre-blended with sucralose or aspartame at a fixed ratio to round out sweetness.
Carrier dilutions
Acesulfame potassium diluted on a bulking agent for tabletop sweeteners or easier small-batch dosing.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Assay
- Purity on a dry basis by the method incorporated in 21 CFR 172.800, which sets a minimum of 99 percent; most supplier specs use a titration.
- Fluoride
- Fluoride content by the FCC fluoride limit test, against the 30 mg/kg maximum in 21 CFR 172.800.
- Organic impurities
- UV-active related compounds such as acetoacetamide by HPLC, reported against the supplier's specification.
- Loss on drying
- Moisture by loss on drying; low moisture keeps the crystals free-flowing.
- Lead and heavy metals
- Lead by ICP-MS or atomic absorption against the FCC or supplier limit.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store acesulfame potassium in closed containers in a dry place at ambient temperature; it is stable as a dry salt but can cake if exposed to humidity. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a retest of assay and moisture is the usual way to extend aged stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Record the assay, fluoride and moisture results for each lot. When it is used in a fixed blend with another sweetener, record both ingredients' lot numbers so a sweetness complaint can be traced.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 172.800 permits acesulfame potassium as a general-purpose sweetener and flavor enhancer in foods generally, except in meat and poultry.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 172.800 requires purity of not less than 99 percent on a dry basis and fluoride of not more than 30 mg/kg.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada includes acesulfame potassium in its List of Permitted Sweeteners, with maximum levels set by food category.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Acesulfame potassium suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking acesulfame potassium suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell acesulfame potassium? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of acesulfame potassium can brands buy?
Common forms include crystalline granular, fine powder, sweetener blends and carrier dilutions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for acesulfame potassium include?
Expect assay, fluoride, organic impurities, loss on drying and lead and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should acesulfame potassium be stored?
Store acesulfame potassium in closed containers in a dry place at ambient temperature; it is stable as a dry salt but can cake if exposed to humidity. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a retest of assay and moisture is the usual way to extend aged stock.
What is the regulatory status of acesulfame potassium?
21 CFR 172.800 permits acesulfame potassium as a general-purpose sweetener and flavor enhancer in foods generally, except in meat and poultry. 21 CFR 172.800 requires purity of not less than 99 percent on a dry basis and fluoride of not more than 30 mg/kg. Health Canada includes acesulfame potassium in its List of Permitted Sweeteners, with maximum levels set by food category.
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