Acesulfame potassium
From Ukcider
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Whats is it?
Acesulfame potassium is a calorie-free artificial sweetener, also known as Acesulfame K, and marketed under the trade names Sunett and Sweet One. In the European Union, it is known under the E number E950. It was discovered accidentally in 1967 by German chemist Karl Clauss at Hoechst AG (now Nutrinova). In chemical structure, acesulfame potassium is the potassium salt of 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide. It is a white crystalline powder with molecular formula C4H4KNO4S and a molecular weight of 201.24.
How is it used?
Acesulfame K is 180-200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), as sweet as aspartame, about half as sweet as Saccharin, and one-quarter as sweet as sucralose. Like Saccharin, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste, especially at high concentrations. Unlike Aspartame, it is stable in alcoholic solution so is more suitable for long-term storage. In drinks it is normally used in conjunction with other sweeteners, e.g. Aspartame or Sucralose
Is it safe?
Depends on your point of view. Its gone through numerous toxicity screening tests and been passed for use in foodstuffs, but critics claim the product has not been tested properly and may be carcinogenic. Here is not the place to repeat those arguments: follow the links below.
So whats the problem?
Well, if you ignore the suggestions that the chemical was never given proper tests before being placed on sale, you still have the problem of taste. Acesulfame K has a noticeable aftertaste and will affect anything it is added to. To some degree this can be masked by the use of yet another chemical - Sodium ferulate, or by blending it with other sweeteners. However it all adds up to a nice chemical cocktail of Industrial cider. Real cider does not need any artificial sweeteners.
External linka
Marketing info on Acesulfame K from the calorie Control Council
