E 961 Neotame

What is E 961?

E 961 is the E number of Neotame. Synthetic sweetener chemically related to aspartame and many times sweeter than sugar. It is used only in very small amounts.

What is E 961 used for?

E 961 belongs to the group "Sweeteners" and is used as sweetener, flavour enhancer.

• Sweetener: Sweeteners impart a sweet taste. They are used in foods or as table-top sweeteners.
• Flavour enhancer: Flavour enhancers enhance the existing taste or odour of a food.

Which foods may contain E 961?

According to the European Commission's database, E 961 may be used in 36 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Fish and fisheries products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 961 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 961 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 961 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Sweetener: E 961" or "Sweetener: Neotame".