Is Aspartame / Nutrasweet (E951) Halal?

Aspartame is made by joining two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, which are produced by fermentation. The sweetener itself contains no animal material, but the fermentation medium and processing aids vary by manufacturer, so MUIS lists it as doubtful. Aspartame from the major producers is widely halal-certified.

Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal) is a synthetic non-caloric sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sucrose. It is composed of two amino acids (L-phenylalanine and L-aspartic acid) with a methyl ester group, produced by chemical synthesis.

• sugar-free soft drinks
• sugar-free yogurts
• tabletop sweeteners
• sugar-free chewing gum
• diet desserts

• Look for a recognised halal certification logo (MUIS, JAKIM, MUI, HMC or similar) on the packaging — certified products have had the source of this additive verified.
• Check whether the label states the origin, for example 'vegetable origin', 'plant-based' or 'soy'.
• If there is no certification and the origin is not stated, contact the manufacturer or choose a product with a halal alternative.

acesulfame potassium (E950), sucralose (E955), stevia

E951 (Aspartame/Nutrasweet) is doubtful for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal) is a synthetic non-caloric sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sucrose.

Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal) is a synthetic non-caloric sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sucrose. It is composed of two amino acids (L-phenylalanine and L-aspartic acid) with a methyl ester group, produced by chemical synthesis.

E951 is commonly found in sugar-free soft drinks, sugar-free yogurts, tabletop sweeteners, sugar-free chewing gum, and diet desserts.