Acesulfame potassium, also known as ace-k, was approved by the FDA in 1998 for use in beverages. Ace-k is 200 times sweeter than sugar, is stable at baking temperatures and usually is mixed with other low-calorie sweeteners to enhance the product's flavor profile. Well-known products using ace-k include Kraft Foods', Glenview, Ill., Sugar-Free International Coffees and Crystal Light products. Acesulfame potassium is considered a relatively new product and is meeting heavy competition from previously established sweeteners.
Thus, it is no surprise that activity has been flat in 1999, 2000 and 2001. What small number of items have been introduced are in the beverages, candy, desserts and weight control products sectors. Pepsi One, Purchase, N.Y., and Clearly Canadian's, Vancouver, Fitness Water, a fortified product, use this ingredient.