Is E951 halal?

What is E951?

Aspartame is a sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is made by joining two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, which are usually produced by fermentation. In the body it breaks down into these amino acids and a small amount of methanol.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Its building blocks are amino acids made by fermentation, and the finished sweetener contains no animal material or alcohol. As with other fermentation products, the only theoretical catch is what the microbes were grown on, which is why some suppliers hold halal certificates.

How to check the label

No special check is usually needed. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid it, which is why EU labels carry a phenylalanine warning.

Where you'll find it

• diet soft drinks
• table-top sweeteners
• sugar-free chewing gum
• flavoured yoghurts
• desserts

Good to know

• EU labels must say “contains a source of phenylalanine”, or “contains aspartame (a source of phenylalanine)” when only the E-number is listed.
• EFSA's 2013 full risk assessment confirmed the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight; it does not apply to people with PKU.
• In July 2023 IARC classed aspartame as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B), while JECFA kept the acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg.

Similar additives

• E950 Acesulfame K Generally halal
• E955 Sucralose Generally halal
• E102 Tartrazine Generally halal
• E110 Sunset Yellow FCF Generally halal
• E124 Ponceau 4R Generally halal
• E129 Allura Red AC Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA topic page: aspartame
2. WHO: aspartame hazard and risk assessment results (2023)
3. EU labelling rules, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III

Frequently asked questions