Neotame E961
Neotame is a food-grade high-intensity sweetener and flavor enhancer used where permitted for sugar reduction, calorie reduction, sweetness design and flavor optimization. Unlike polyols or bulk sweeteners, Neotame is used at very low dosage, so industrial formulation must also consider bulking, mouthfeel, solids, browning, water activity, freezing point, texture and process behavior. This page is prepared as a technical sourcing and specification-review guide for manufacturers that need defined assay, reliable purity, correct documentation, precise dosing support and destination-market compliance.
Product identity
| Product | Neotame |
|---|---|
| Common names | Neotame E961, INS 961, food-grade neotame, high-intensity sweetener, non-nutritive sweetener |
| Category | Sweeteners & Polyols |
| Function | High-intensity sweetener, sugar-reduction ingredient and flavor enhancer |
| E / INS number | E961 / INS 961 |
| CAS / identity | 165450-17-9 |
| Chemical identity | N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-alpha-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine-1-methyl ester |
| Typical form | White to off-white crystalline powder, powder blend, granule, tablet-ready blend or premix-ready sweetener system |
| Sweetener type | High-intensity sweetener; not a polyol, not a carbohydrate bulk sweetener and not a humectant |
| Procurement focus | Assay, identity, purity, related substances, solubility, particle size, sweetness potency, sensory profile, carrier system and regulatory suitability |
Application fit
Potential use areas may include:
- Carbonated and still beverages
- Powdered drinks, instant mixes and tabletop sweeteners
- Confectionery, chewing gum and compressed tablets
- Bakery products, fillings and sweet toppings
- Dairy desserts, flavored milk and frozen desserts
- Jams, syrups, sauces, condiments and fruit preparations
- Nutrition products, meal replacements and reduced-sugar systems
Industrial function and value
Neotame is selected when a manufacturer needs intense sweetness at very low use levels. It can support reduced-sugar, no-added-sugar, calorie-reduced and diabetic-positioned product development where regulations permit. Because its use level is extremely low compared with sucrose, formulation work must address the functions that sugar normally provides beyond sweetness, including bulk, viscosity, browning, water binding, crystallization, freezing-point depression, fermentation substrate and mouthfeel.
Sweetness design and sensory profile
High-intensity sweeteners must be evaluated by sensory performance in the finished product, not only by theoretical sweetness potency. Neotame can provide strong sweetness and can also contribute flavor-enhancing effects in some systems. The final perception depends on dose, pH, temperature, solids, acidulants, flavors, salt, bitterness, aftertaste, carbonation, fat content and the presence of other sweeteners. For commercial use, formulators should run triangle tests, preference tests, shelf-life sensory evaluations and dose-response trials.
Sweetness potency
Neotame is used at very low dosage. Accurate dilution, premixing and controlled weighing are essential because small weighing errors can cause large sweetness differences.
- Use calibrated microingredient scales
- Pre-dilute into carriers for easier dosing where appropriate
- Validate sweetness with trained sensory panels
- Control batch records and addition point carefully
Flavor enhancement
In selected systems, Neotame may help improve flavor perception, mask bitterness or round sweetness. It should be evaluated with the actual flavor system and storage conditions.
- Useful in beverages, dairy desserts and flavored powders
- Can interact with acid, fruit, dairy and chocolate profiles
- May support reduced-sugar flavor balance
- Requires application-specific sensory validation
Sweetener blending
Neotame is often evaluated with other sweeteners to improve onset, peak sweetness, lingering profile and overall sugar-like taste.
- Can be blended with sucralose, acesulfame potassium or steviol glycosides where permitted
- May be paired with polyols or fibers for bulk and mouthfeel
- Blend selection depends on application and label strategy
- Regulatory limits must be checked for every sweetener in the blend
Bulking replacement
Because Neotame does not replace sugar mass, formulators must rebuild solids and texture separately in sugar-reduced products.
- Review maltodextrin, fibers, polyols, starches or hydrocolloids
- Adjust viscosity, water activity and freezing point
- Check browning and spread in bakery applications
- Validate texture after processing and shelf life
Application guidance by food category
| Application | Industrial purpose | Key evaluation points |
|---|---|---|
| Beverages | High-intensity sweetness, sugar reduction and flavor balancing | pH stability, heat treatment, carbonation, clarity, sweetness onset, aftertaste, flavor interaction, preservative system and shelf-life sensory quality |
| Powdered drinks and instant mixes | Low-dose sweetness in dry blend systems | Premix dilution, particle-size match, segregation risk, reconstitution, dusting, sweetness uniformity and packaging moisture barrier |
| Confectionery | Sugar reduction and sweetness in hard candy, gummies, tablets or fillings | Heat exposure, pH, polyol system, humectancy, crystallization, texture, flavor release and permitted use level |
| Chewing gum | Long-lasting sweetness and flavor support | Sweetness release, gum base compatibility, flavor retention, encapsulation need, particle size and sensory duration |
| Bakery products | Sweetness in reduced-sugar cakes, cookies, fillings or toppings | Baking stability, browning loss from sugar removal, spread, crumb structure, water activity, bulk replacement and aftertaste |
| Dairy desserts | Sweetness and flavor enhancement in reduced-sugar dairy systems | Protein interaction, heat process, fat content, pH, flavor balance, freezing point, body and cold-storage stability |
| Frozen desserts | Sweetness with calorie reduction | Freezing point, ice crystal control, solids, body, meltdown, polyol or fiber use and sweetness perception at low temperature |
| Tabletop sweeteners | Consumer-dose sweetener in tablets, sachets or granular blends | Carrier selection, tablet compression, flowability, dissolution, serving equivalence, labeling and local sweetener rules |
Formulation and process considerations
Neotame formulation work should begin with a sweetness target and a complete sugar-function map. For each product, identify whether sucrose contributes sweetness only or also bulk, viscosity, freezing point, browning, fermentation, water activity, humectancy or texture. Neotame can address sweetness and flavor enhancement, but other ingredients must usually replace the physical and processing roles of sugar.
Dosing and dilution
Because use levels are very low, direct dosing may be difficult in large industrial systems. A premix, carrier dilution or liquid stock may improve dosing accuracy.
- Use validated dilution ratios
- Confirm homogeneity in carrier blends
- Control scale precision and weighing records
- Prevent cross-contamination in sweetener premix rooms
Heat and pH stability
Neotame can be suitable for many heat-processed systems, but the finished product should still be tested under actual processing and storage conditions.
- Check pasteurization, baking, extrusion or cooking exposure
- Evaluate pH and acidulant impact
- Measure sweetness retention after shelf life
- Confirm performance in the finished matrix, not only in water
Texture rebuilding
When sucrose is reduced, texture can change significantly. A complete system may require fibers, polyols, starches, gums, proteins or bulking carbohydrates.
- Replace solids and viscosity where needed
- Control water activity and crystallization
- Adjust baking spread, crumb, body or freeze point
- Validate sensory quality over shelf life
Flavor balancing
Reduced-sugar products often need flavor redesign because sugar affects aroma release, acid balance and bitterness perception.
- Rebalance acids, salts and flavors
- Check bitterness, lingering sweetness and metallic notes
- Use flavor modifiers only where permitted and label-acceptable
- Run sensory tests after processing and storage
Technical purchasing notes
When reviewing Neotame, compare the supplier specification against the intended food application, process conditions, sweetness target, label expectations and local rules. For industrial purchasing, the most useful inquiry normally includes target grade, assay, active content basis, physical form, particle size, carrier or blend requirements, packaging size, quantity, destination country and document requirements.
Specification parameters to request
A complete Neotame quotation should include a specification that allows R&D, QA, regulatory and purchasing teams to compare grades objectively. The following parameters are commonly useful when evaluating Neotame E961:
| Parameter | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Assay | Primary value for dose calculation, quality approval and regulatory comparison. |
| Identity | Confirms the material is Neotame and not another high-intensity sweetener or sweetener blend. |
| Free dipeptide acid | Important impurity parameter for food-grade Neotame specification review. |
| Related substances | Supports purity assessment and comparison against regulatory or customer standards. |
| Water / moisture | Affects shelf life, flowability, caking risk and dry-basis calculations. |
| Residue on ignition | Indicates inorganic residue and supports specification comparison. |
| Lead and heavy metals | Required for food safety, customer approval and import review. |
| Specific rotation | Useful identity and quality parameter for chiral sweetener specifications. |
| Particle size | Controls dissolution, blending uniformity, dusting and premix performance. |
| Solubility | Critical for beverages, syrups, liquid premixes and uniform distribution in wet systems. |
| Bulk density and flow | Important for premix design, tablet blends, sachet filling and automated dosing. |
| Sensory profile | Sweetness intensity, onset, linger, aftertaste and flavor interaction determine finished-product acceptance. |
| Microbiological limits | May be required for food-grade approval, especially in dry blends or post-process addition systems. |
| Certifications | Halal, kosher, vegan, vegetarian, ISO, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, allergen and GMO statements may be required by the buyer. |
| Shelf life and storage | Important for sweetness retention, inventory control, import planning and premix stability. |
Cost-in-use and sweetness replacement
Neotame should be compared by delivered sweetness, sensory quality and formulation cost-in-use rather than kilogram price alone. A high-assay material may offer low cost per sweetness unit, but the final formula may require additional bulking agents, acids, flavors, fibers, stabilizers or process changes. Industrial buyers should evaluate the total system cost, including ingredient cost, dosing accuracy, premix manufacturing, stability testing and label approval.
Activity-based comparison
- Compare suppliers by assay and sensory performance
- Calculate cost per target sweetness level
- Include carrier or dilution cost if using premixes
- Review batch-to-batch sweetness consistency
Total formula cost
- Add cost of bulking and texture replacement
- Include flavor rebalancing and acid adjustment
- Calculate production yield and waste impact
- Compare finished-product shelf-life results
Scale-up controls
- Confirm sweetness uniformity in production batches
- Validate premix dilution and addition sequence
- Monitor sensory drift after storage
- Use documented change control when replacing suppliers
Regulatory cost
- Check if the destination market permits Neotame in the product category
- Confirm maximum use level and label wording
- Review special dietary labeling if applicable
- Include local registration or customer approval time where needed
Quality, storage and handling
Neotame is typically handled as a fine powder or crystalline powder. Store in closed original packaging, protected from moisture, dust contamination, strong odors, direct sunlight and excessive heat. Because dosage is very low, manufacturing sites should use controlled weighing procedures, microingredient controls and validated premix methods. Cross-contact between sweetener systems should be avoided to prevent flavor drift and labeling errors.
Incoming inspection
- Check product name, lot number, net weight and assay
- Inspect packaging integrity, odor, appearance, caking and foreign matter
- Compare certificate of analysis against purchase specification
- Confirm E961, allergen, GMO, origin and certification documents
- Retain samples according to the factory quality plan
Factory handling
- Use dust-control procedures during weighing and premixing
- Control humidity in storage and weighing rooms
- Avoid cross-contamination with other intense sweeteners
- Use first-expired, first-out stock rotation
- Keep containers sealed when not in use
Premix preparation
- Use validated scales for microingredient dosing
- Pre-dilute into a carrier when direct dosing is too small
- Control mixing time and order of addition
- Test homogeneity using validated sampling plans
- Protect premixes from moisture and segregation during transport
Finished-product verification
- Confirm sweetener addition through batch records
- Use sensory testing and analytical verification where required
- Monitor sweetness retention after processing and storage
- Review label compliance after final formula approval
- Maintain records for audits and market inspections
Regulatory and label review
Neotame may be declared as Neotame, E961, INS 961, sweetener or flavor enhancer depending on destination-market rules and final product format. However, an E number or INS number does not mean the ingredient is permitted in every country, every food category or at every level. Buyers should confirm permitted applications, maximum levels, special dietary labeling, standards of identity, customer additive restrictions and import requirements before purchase.
Regulatory checks
- Destination-country food additive status
- Approved food categories and exclusions
- Maximum permitted use level or GMP basis
- Special dietary food requirements where applicable
- Import, customs and customer approval requirements
Label checks
- Required declaration as sweetener, flavor enhancer or E961
- Reduced-sugar, no-added-sugar or calorie claims
- Warnings or special statements required by local rules
- Ingredient list order and compound ingredient declarations
- Final nutrition facts and serving-size calculations
Comparison with related sweetener systems
Neotame is often compared with aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, advantame, saccharin, steviol glycosides, monk fruit extracts and polyol-based systems. The correct choice depends on sweetness quality, heat and pH stability, label acceptance, cost-in-use, permitted category, aftertaste, blending compatibility and the need for bulk replacement.
| Sweetener system | Main reason to compare | Buyer note |
|---|---|---|
| Neotame E961 | Very high sweetness potency and flavor-enhancing potential | Requires precise dosing and separate bulking strategy when sugar is reduced. |
| Aspartame | Established high-intensity sweetener with sugar-like profile in many systems | Different stability, labeling and phenylalanine considerations may apply by market. |
| Acesulfame potassium | Often blended to improve sweetness profile and stability | Can have bitter or metallic notes; commonly paired with other sweeteners. |
| Sucralose | High-intensity sweetness and broad application range | Useful in many sugar-reduced products; sensory and cost-in-use should be compared. |
| Steviol glycosides | Plant-derived high-intensity sweetener positioning | Label-friendly in some markets but may require taste masking or blending. |
| Polyols | Bulk, texture, humectancy and reduced-calorie sweetness | Polyols replace some sugar mass but may have digestive tolerance and labeling considerations. |
| Fibers and bulking agents | Solids replacement and texture rebuilding | Often needed with Neotame because high-intensity sweeteners do not provide sugar bulk. |
Packaging and logistics options
Neotame may be supplied in foil bags, fiber drums, cartons, HDPE containers, small trial packs or premix-ready packaging depending on supplier and order size. Packaging should protect the material from moisture, contamination and odor pickup while supporting accurate weighing and controlled industrial handling. For export shipments, buyers should confirm shelf life remaining, storage temperature, pallet configuration, label language and customs documents before ordering.
| Packaging item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Primary pack | Foil bag, PE liner, bottle, drum or carton suitable for food-grade high-intensity sweetener storage. |
| Net weight | Common commercial pack sizes vary by supplier; confirm trial packs, production packs and minimum order quantity. |
| Moisture protection | Important for powder flow, caking prevention, sweetness consistency and shelf-life stability. |
| Batch coding | Each unit should show product name, grade, batch number, net weight, manufacture date and expiry or retest date. |
| Pallet configuration | Confirm units per pallet, pallet dimensions, stretch wrapping, stacking limits and transport protection. |
| Storage conditions | Confirm recommended temperature, humidity control, odor protection and shelf-life conditions. |
Documents to request
Buyers should request a complete document package before approving a new Neotame supplier. Documentation needs vary by destination country, customer audit standard and application, but the following documents are commonly requested:
- Product specification or technical data sheet
- Certificate of analysis for available batch or lot
- Assay, identity and purity data
- Related substances and free dipeptide acid results where specified
- Lead, heavy metals, water and residue on ignition results
- Safety data sheet where applicable
- Food-grade declaration, E961 statement or additive compliance declaration
- Origin, manufacturer and production-site information
- Allergen statement
- GMO statement or non-GMO certificate if required by the buyer
- Halal, kosher, vegan, vegetarian or market-specific declarations where applicable
- Microbiological limits and contaminant statements where required
- Shelf-life, storage conditions and handling information
- Label draft, packaging details, net weight, pallet configuration and loading quantity
- Market-specific declarations required by the destination country
Buyer responsibility
Global Food Additives can support sourcing, supplier communication and document collection, but the buyer, importer, manufacturer or brand owner remains responsible for final regulatory approval, dose selection, sweetness validation, sensory approval, label wording, claim approval, application validation and finished-product compliance. Neotame should only be used in applications where the buyer has confirmed technical suitability and legal permission.
How Global Food Additives can support
Global Food Additives, Inc. supports international food manufacturers and distributors with practical sourcing coordination for sweeteners, polyols, bulking agents, acidulants, preservatives, hydrocolloids, proteins, colors, gases and functional ingredients. For Neotame E961, our team can help review the target specification, identify suitable supply options, collect supplier documents, clarify packaging and logistics constraints and coordinate quotation details for export-ready procurement.
- Specification and documentation review before quotation
- Supplier comparison by assay, purity, particle size, packaging, certifications and destination market
- Coordination of CoA, SDS, E961 declaration, allergen, GMO and origin documents
- Support for beverages, confectionery, chewing gum, bakery, dairy dessert, powdered mix and tabletop sweetener inquiries
- Packaging, palletization, shipment and export-document coordination
- Technical communication for R&D, QA, regulatory and procurement teams
How to request this product
Send the product name, target grade or reference specification, required assay, application, quantity, destination country, packaging preference, expected shipment date and required documents. If you already purchase Neotame, attach or describe your existing specification, label, certificate of analysis, current dosage, sweetness target, sweetener blend, application pH and processing conditions so supplier options can be compared more accurately.
For R&D and QA teams
- Target food application and finished-product category
- Current sugar level and desired reduction target
- Sweetness target compared with sucrose equivalent
- Current sweetener blend or benchmark sample
- Processing conditions, pH, heat exposure and shelf-life target
- Bulking, texture, mouthfeel and flavor-balancing requirements
For purchasing teams
- Required trial, monthly or annual quantity
- Preferred pack size and storage conditions
- Destination country, port, delivery address and Incoterms
- Required certifications and document package
- Food-grade, halal, kosher, vegan, non-GMO or customer-specific requirements
- Target price structure, lead time and shipment schedule
Useful answers
What is Neotame used for in food manufacturing?
Neotame is typically discussed for high-intensity sweetness, sugar reduction, calorie reduction and flavor enhancement. Common review areas include beverages, confectionery, chewing gum, bakery products, dairy desserts, powdered mixes, tabletop sweeteners and reduced-sugar formulations.
Is Neotame a polyol?
No. Neotame is not a polyol and not a bulk sweetener. It is a high-intensity sweetener used at very low levels. If sugar is removed, bulk, mouthfeel, texture, water activity and processing functions normally need to be rebuilt with other ingredients.
Can Neotame replace sugar one-to-one?
No. Neotame is far sweeter than sucrose and is used at very low dosage. A one-to-one replacement is not technically appropriate. Formulators must calculate dose based on sweetness target and rebuild the physical functions of sugar separately.
Can Neotame be used in heat-processed foods?
Neotame may be suitable for many processed foods, but heat stability should be validated in the finished formulation. Baking, pasteurization, cooking, pH, storage time and packaging can affect sweetness and sensory quality.
Which applications are most relevant?
Common review areas include still and carbonated beverages, powdered drinks, chewing gum, confectionery, bakery products, fillings, dairy desserts, frozen desserts, sauces, syrups, nutrition products and tabletop sweeteners.
Which documents should be requested?
Buyers commonly request a technical data sheet or specification, certificate of analysis, assay and identity data, safety data sheet where applicable, food-grade declaration, E961 statement, origin statement, allergen statement, GMO statement, heavy metals, related substances, shelf-life information, label draft and packing details.
What should I specify when requesting a quote?
Provide the target application, sweetness target, required assay, current sugar level, current sweetener blend, quantity, destination country, packaging preference, delivery term, required certifications and document package. If replacing an existing grade, share the current specification and certificate of analysis.
Is Neotame permitted in every country?
No. Food additive use depends on destination-market rules, food category, use level, label requirements, dietary-use rules and buyer responsibility. Always verify local compliance before import or commercial use.
Can Global Food Additives source Neotame?
Global Food Additives can review sourcing options for Neotame E961 according to target specification, assay, grade, application, quantity, destination, packaging and required documentation.
Tell us which sweetener or food additive you need.
Send product names, target specifications, quantity, destination country, packaging preference, delivery term, and document requirements. For Neotame E961, please include target application, sweetness target, required assay, current sugar level, current sweetener blend if any, packaging format and any regulatory or customer documentation needs. Our team will review your inquiry and respond from orders@foodgradeadditives.com.
Your message has been received. You will be redirected to the home page.