Acesulfame K in Soft Drinks as a Sweetener

Acesulfame K in Soft Drinks as a Sweetener
As with all intense sweeteners, sweetness potency of acesulfame K relative to sucrose decreases with increasing concentration and varies with the medium in which the sweetener is being tested and the method used for qualifying sweetness.

The taste profile of acesulfame K is generally considered to be superior to saccharin. It has a rapid onset time but the sweetness quality is marred by a bitter astringent aftertaste that is particularly noticeable at higher concentrations.

Sweetness quality can be greatly improved by combining with other intense and bulk sweeteners. High levels of synergism (30% and above) reportedly occur with aspartame and to a lesser extent with cyclamate, glucose fructose and sucrose.

Very little synergy is repeated to occur with saccharin , possible because they compete for the same sweet receptor site.

The aftertaste of acesulfame K can be masked in some cases by the addition of sugar alcohols maltol and ethyl maltol.

In soft drinks as a sole sweetener, levels of 600-800 and 550-750 mg/l for cola and citrus flavored drinks, respectively are appropriate.

Blending with other sweeteners, in particular aspartame, gives a much more acceptable product.
Acesulfame K in Soft Drinks as a Sweetener