Millions of calorie-conscious people around the world rely on aspartame as an alternative to sugar. Its wide acceptance is due to its sugar-like taste, low caloric value and its use in products ranging from diet colas and fruit drinks to yogurt products and desserts.

Studies conducted with taste-test panels show that many believe aspartame tastes just like sugar. The calories in foods can be substantially reduced, and in many products be almost eliminated, by using aspartame in place of sugar. Because very small amounts are needed for a sweet taste the calories contributed by aspartame are so few it is considered virtually non-caloric.

Aspartame's key benefits are:

Part of a Healthful Diet: Aspartame can reduce or replace the sugar and calories in foods and beverages while maintaining great taste. Thus, aspartame offers one simple step in helping people move closer to achieving a more healthful diet.

Beneficial in Weight Control: Since nearly two out of three Americans are classified as overweight or obese, taking steps to assure appropriate calorie intake is important for many people. Because products sweetened with aspartame are lower in calories than their sugar-sweetened counterparts, using products with aspartame together with regular physical activity can help with weight management.

A Clean, Sweet Taste: Studies conducted with taste-test panels show that aspartame's taste is very similar to the taste of sugar.

Enhances and Extends Flavors: Aspartame has the ability to intensify and extend fruit flavors, such as strawberry, cherry, and citrus flavors such as orange, in foods and beverages. For example, chewing gum made with aspartame tastes sweeter and more flavorful longer than sugar-sweetened gum.

Can Help People with Diabetes: Aspartame provides people with diabetes greater variety and flexibility in budgeting their total carbohydrate intake allowing them to satisfy their taste for sweets while complying with a healthful meal plan. In addition, consuming products with aspartame can result in fewer calories, which can help people manage their weight.

Does Not Promote Tooth Decay: The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the research that shows aspartame to be non-contributory to tooth decay. Since it is composed of protein parts, aspartame does not promote the build-up of plaque or acid producing bacteria.