Dosage of artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame-k)

The dosage of artificial sweeteners is essential for quality control and regulatory compliance of sweetened, reduced-fat, or fortified products. These synthetic compounds, including aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame K, are widely used in the human food, nutraceutical, animal nutrition, and plant-based formulation sectors.

Their high sweetening power allows for a reduction in the calorie content of finished products, but their use is strictly regulated by European legislation (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008). Precise dosage ensures consumer safety, compliance with nutritional labeling requirements, and adherence to permitted intake levels (ADI).

Objectives of the analysis

The dosage of artificial sweeteners aims to:

• Quantify the levels of aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame-K in food or nutraceutical formulations.
• Check compliance with current regulations regarding food additives.
• To ensure the stability of sugar formulations during storage.
• Identify any potential cross-contamination or non-compliant substitutions.
• Validate the nutritional labeling and the claims “no added sugar” or “reduced calories”.

Analytical methods

Artificial sweeteners are measured by liquid chromatography, depending on the type of matrix (solid, liquid, powder).

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV)
HPLC with UV detection is used for routine testing in beverages, confectionery, food supplements, and diet foods. This method offers good reproducibility and reliable quantification of sweeteners, even in complex matrices.

Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS)
LC-MS allows for more sensitive and specific detection, particularly suited to matrices with low sweetener content or containing several simultaneous additives. It is recommended for stability studies, regulatory analyses, or exported products.

Substances analyzed

• Aspartame (CAS 22839-47-0)
• Sucralose (CAS 56038-13-2)
• Acesulfame-K (CAS 55589-62-3)

Other sweeteners can be added on request: saccharin, cyclamate, neotame, advantame, stevia (steviol glycosides), according to analytical requirements.

Affected matrices

• Sugary drinks and functional drinks
• Low-fat products, yogurts, desserts, confectionery
• Dietary supplements and nutraceutical powders
• Animal feed additives
• Processed plant-based products (juices, extracts, syrups)

Industrial applications

• Quality control and validation of production batches.
• Verification of regulatory compliance and labeling.
• Evaluation of the stability of sugar formulations.
• Comparative studies of sensory profiles between batches or suppliers.
• Analysis of the purity and technological performance of sweeteners.

Recommended Related Analyses

For a comprehensive view of the sweet and chemical profile of products, YesWeLab recommends:
Analysis of simple sugars and polyols (glucose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol) – to differentiate between natural sugars and artificial sweeteners.
Analysis of citric acid and organic acids – to assess the flavor balance and stability of the product.
Analysis of aromas and volatile molecules – to correlate the sensory profile with the sweetening formulation.
Analysis of artificial food colorings – to verify the overall compliance of additives.

Why choose YesWeLab?

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specializing in chromatography and physico-chemical analyses of food additives, accredited to ISO 17025 and compliant with COFRAC standards.

Our experts will assist you in defining the methods best suited to your matrices and regulatory requirements, whether it is a one-off check, a stability study or a quality audit.

Thanks to our digital platform, you can centralize your analytical needs, track your samples in real time and get your results quickly, with personalized scientific support at every stage.