What Products Contain Aspartame?

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is meant to replace sugar and reduce the number of calories you consume. The sweetener is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but some concern still remains about the safety of the artificial food additive, MayoClinic.com reports. If you are concerned about aspartame, it may be helpful to know the types of products and foods that contain the sweetener so you can make the best health decisions for yourself.

Soft Drinks

Many diet versions of popular soft drinks contain aspartame to eliminate calories. Aspartame provides a taste similar to real sugar, Elisa Zied reports in her book, "Nutrition at Your Fingertips." Individuals trying to lose weight often choose diet soft drinks because they taste like the original version but will not add calories to their diet. Read the ingredient labels on your favorite soft drinks to determine whether they contain the artificial sweetener. According to Aspartame Information Center, other drinks that often include aspartame include bottled and sweetened iced teas and diet fruit drinks.

Desserts

Desserts that are low-sugar or sugar-free can contain aspartame to give them the sweet taste of dessert without adding calories. Sugar-free flavored gelatin is a common source of aspartame as are flavored puddings and pudding mixes. Ice cream and ice cream novelties that contain little or no sugar may also contain aspartame, Aspartame Information Center notes. Sugar-free hard candies and soft chews are another common dessert item that may replace regular sugar with aspartame to keep them very low in calories. Other dessert sources of aspartame include breath mints, chewing gum, chocolate syrup and frozen yogurt. Instant hot chocolate and no-sugar added frozen desserts, such as mousse and pie, may also contain aspartame.

Condiments

Some condiments can add unwanted calories to your meal and therefore many brands market sugar-free versions that reduce calorie count. Aspartame mimics the taste of regular sugar so the condiment tastes similar, notes Zied. Sugar-free ketchup is a common condiment that can include this added sweetener. Maple syrup is normally high in sugar and low-sugar or sugar-free versions can include aspartame so they taste like regular maple syrup. Flavored syrups for coffees that do not contain sugar usually include aspartame in the ingredient list so they taste sweet, Aspartame Information Center adds. Other condiments that may include aspartame include barbecue sauce and sugar-free jams and jellies.