Is it vegan? Additives & E-numbers E951
Is aspartame vegan?
Quick answer: Yes, by ingredients. Aspartame (E951) is made from two amino acids produced by fermentation and contains no animal products, though, like most sweeteners, it has been tested on animals.
Also called: E951, NutraSweet, Equal, artificial sweetener
Why it’s vegan
Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener made from the amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It is approved in the EU and UK as E951, and EFSA concluded in its full 2013 risk assessment that it is safe at current levels of exposure.
Its components are made by microbial fermentation, so it contains no animal-derived ingredients. Some vegans avoid aspartame because its safety assessment relied on animal studies, but by the usual ingredient-based definition it is vegan.
What to look for on the label
- E951
- aspartame
- “contains a source of phenylalanine”
Where it’s found
- Diet and “zero” soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum and sweets
- Table-top sweeteners
Frequently asked questions
Is aspartame vegan?
Yes, by ingredients. Aspartame (E951) is made from two amino acids produced by fermentation and contains no animal products, though, like most sweeteners, it has been tested on animals.
Sources
- Approved additives and E numbers — Food Standards Agency (UK)
- Aspartame (topic page) — European Food Safety Authority
- Rational metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for the industrial-scale production of L-phenylalanine (2025) — Bioresource Technology
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.