aspartame
noun
as·par·tame
ˈa-spər-ˌtām 
ə-ˈspär-ˌtām
ə-ˈspär-ˌtām
: a crystalline compound C14H18N2O5 that is a diamide synthesized from phenylalanine and aspartic acid and that is used as a low-calorie sweetener
Examples of aspartame in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Advertisement This week in 1981, the FDA approved the artificial sweetener aspartame for tabletop use and as an ingredient in candy, breakfast cereals, instant coffee and tea, gelatins, puddings, fillings, dairy-product toppings and chewing gum, among other uses.
—
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2023
The World Health Organization’s International Research Agency on Cancer announced Thursday that the artificial sweetener aspartame, commonly found in Diet Coke and other sugar-free foods, is a possible carcinogen.
—Maia Pandey, NBC News, 14 July 2023
After an extensive review of the data, the World Health Organization has concluded the sweetener aspartame can potentially cause liver cancer and maybe other health problems, but likely only when consumed in extremely high amounts.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 14 July 2023
Some individuals may consume more aspartame than this, but such high intake is not typical.
—Jiangang Chen, The Conversation, 21 July 2023
This amount of aspartame per day translates to approximately eight to 12 cans of soda, or approximately 60 packets of aspartame, for a person weighing 132 pounds (60 kilograms).
—Jiangang Chen, The Conversation, 21 July 2023
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an entity within the WHO, evaluated findings from both human and animal studies of aspartame and cancer.
—Jiangang Chen, The Conversation, 21 July 2023
The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) said in a report released Thursday that people can safely consume 40 milligrams of aspartame per kilogram of body weight per day, the same level established in prior guidance from the committee.
—Nicole Wetsman, ABC News, 13 July 2023
Giving people clear information about their risk levels is important, given the popularity of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.
—Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 13 July 2023
See More
Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2023
The World Health Organization’s International Research Agency on Cancer announced Thursday that the artificial sweetener aspartame, commonly found in Diet Coke and other sugar-free foods, is a possible carcinogen.
—Maia Pandey, NBC News, 14 July 2023
After an extensive review of the data, the World Health Organization has concluded the sweetener aspartame can potentially cause liver cancer and maybe other health problems, but likely only when consumed in extremely high amounts.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 14 July 2023
Some individuals may consume more aspartame than this, but such high intake is not typical.
—Jiangang Chen, The Conversation, 21 July 2023
This amount of aspartame per day translates to approximately eight to 12 cans of soda, or approximately 60 packets of aspartame, for a person weighing 132 pounds (60 kilograms).
—Jiangang Chen, The Conversation, 21 July 2023
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an entity within the WHO, evaluated findings from both human and animal studies of aspartame and cancer.
—Jiangang Chen, The Conversation, 21 July 2023
The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) said in a report released Thursday that people can safely consume 40 milligrams of aspartame per kilogram of body weight per day, the same level established in prior guidance from the committee.
—Nicole Wetsman, ABC News, 13 July 2023
Giving people clear information about their risk levels is important, given the popularity of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.
—Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 13 July 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aspartame.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
aspartic acid + phenylalanine + methyl + ester
First Known Use
1972, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near aspartame
Cite this Entry
“Aspartame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aspartame. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
Copy Citation
Medical Definition
aspartame
noun
as·par·tame
ˈas-pər-ˌtām
ə-ˈspär-
ə-ˈspär-
: a crystalline dipeptide ester C14H18N2O5 that is synthesized from the amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid and is used as a low-calorie sweetener see nutrasweet
More from Merriam-Webster on aspartame
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aspartame
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share