Alitame is an intensely sweet, high-potency artificial sweetener that is 2,000 times sweeter than sugar. It is a low-calorie sugar substitute used in food and beverages to enhance sweetness without adding extra calories. Alitame is more stable than aspartame, making it suitable for a wider range of food applications.
Developed by Pfizer in the 1980s, alitame has been approved for use in several countries but is not yet widely accepted worldwide due to its intense sweetness and formulation challenges.
Chemical Structure and Properties of Alitame
- Chemical Formula: C₁₄H₂₅N₃O₄S
- Molecular Weight: 331.43 g/mol
- Sweetness: 2,000 times sweeter than sugar
- Solubility: Soluble in water
- Stability: More stable than aspartame
Alitame is a dipeptide derivative composed of:
- L-aspartic acid
- D-alanine amide
This combination gives it high-intensity sweetness with a clean taste.
Why is Alitame Used as a Sugar Substitute?
✔ Extremely High Sweetness Level:
- Alitame is 2,000 times sweeter than sucrose (cane sugar).
- Only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired sweetness.
✔ More Stable than Aspartame:
- Unlike aspartame, alitame remains stable at higher temperatures.
- It is suitable for baking and cooking applications.
✔ Does Not Promote Tooth Decay:
- Since it does not ferment in the mouth, it does not cause cavities.
✔ Ideal for Low-Calorie and Sugar-Free Products:
- Used in diet sodas, sugar-free desserts, and diabetic-friendly products.
✔ Recognized as Safe (GRAS Status in Some Regions):
- Approved in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Mexico.
Uses of Alitame
Alitame is used in various food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products, such as:
1. Food and Beverage Industry
- Soft drinks and flavored beverages
- Sugar-free and low-calorie desserts
- Chewing gum and candies
- Baked goods (cakes, pastries, cookies)
- Dairy products (yogurt, flavored milk, ice cream)
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
- Sugar-free medicinal syrups and lozenges
- Chewable tablets and supplements
- Diabetic-friendly formulations
3. Sports and Health Products
- Dietary supplements and protein powders
- Meal replacement drinks
Challenges and Concerns of Alitame
Despite its advantages, alitame has not been widely approved globally due to regulatory concerns and formulation challenges.
Key Challenges
Extremely High Sweetness Makes Control Difficult:
- Alitame is so sweet that controlling sweetness levels in food is challenging.
Limited Global Approvals:
- While approved in Australia, China, and Mexico, it is not approved in the U.S. or EU.
Regulatory Concerns:
- Some studies question its long-term safety, leading to restricted approval in certain countries.
Formulation Difficulties:
- Alitame does not mimic sugar's texture or bulk, requiring additional ingredients to match sugar's properties.
Comparison: Alitame vs. Other Artificial Sweeteners
| Sweetener | Sweetness Level (Compared to Sugar) | Stability | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alitame | 2,000 times sweeter | High | Baked goods, beverages, chewing gum |
| Aspartame | 100 times sweeter | Low (unstable at heat) | Soft drinks, cold foods |
| Saccharin | 550 times sweeter | High | Soft drinks, medicines |
| Sucralose | 600 times sweeter | High | Cooking, baking, beverages |
Conclusion
Alitame is an exceptionally potent artificial sweetener that offers a sugar-free alternative for food and beverages. Its high stability and intense sweetness make it ideal for various applications, including baked goods and dairy products. However, regulatory concerns and formulation challenges have limited its worldwide acceptance.
As research continues, alitame may gain wider approval and become an essential ingredient in sugar-free and low-calorie products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is alitame safe to consume?
Yes, alitame has been approved in several countries, but it lacks global acceptance due to regulatory concerns.
2. Why is alitame not approved in the U.S. and EU?
Regulatory agencies like the FDA and EFSA have not approved alitame due to concerns over its extreme sweetness and safety studies.
3. Can alitame be used for baking?
Yes, alitame is heat-stable, making it suitable for cooking and baking.
4. Is alitame suitable for diabetics?
Yes, alitame does not raise blood sugar levels and is safe for diabetic patients.
5. What are the disadvantages of alitame?
The main challenges include:
- Extremely high sweetness makes it hard to control flavor.
- Not yet approved in all countries.
- Requires additional ingredients for texture and bulk.
