Neotame

Neotame, is a modified version of aspartame, contains all the same elements found in aspartame and more: the amino acids L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine, plus two organic groups, one known as a methyl ester group and the other as a neohexyl group. Joined together, these components equal 8,000 teaspoons of sugar.
Like aspartame, neotame is a very powerful yet dubious compound, and it does not have to carry the PKU warning, as aspartame does. This is a serious problem for those with PKU, who carry the PKU gene, and are PKU recessive.

In 1997 the FDA was petitioned to approve neotame for use as a tabletop sweetener, and neotame was FDA approved for commercial marketing on July 9, 2002 as a general-use sweetener and flavor enhancer in foods and beverages. Currently, no commercial U.S. products exist, but in October 2002 neotame was approved for public use in:

• Chewing gum
• Carbonated soft drinks
• Refrigerated and non-refrigerated" ready-to-drink" soft drink, smoothie and coffee beverages
• Frozen desserts and novelties
• Puddings and gelatins
• Yogurt-type products
• Baked goods
• Candies