Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener known for its intense sweetness and low-calorie content. Composed of aspartic acid and phenylalanine, it is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), making it highly effective in small quantities to sweeten foods and beverages without adding significant calories. Aspartame is commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free desserts, and various other processed foods marketed as low-calorie or sugar-free options. Despite its widespread use, aspartame is a subject of controversy and scrutiny regarding its safety, particularly among those with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder that affects phenylalanine metabolism. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EFSA have evaluated its safety extensively and maintain that it is safe for consumption within established daily intake limits for the general population. Aspartame’s ability to provide sweetness without the caloric load of sugar has made it a popular choice in the food industry, contributing to its prevalence in numerous consumer products worldwide.