Neotame, a powerful artificial sweetener, is quietly making its way into both food products and disposable e-cigarettes. While many are familiar with sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose, neotame is a newer addition that is 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than table sugar and significantly more heat stable than its predecessors.
This heat stability may explain its recent detection in every disposable e-cigarette tested in a recent study. Brands like Elf and Geek Bars were found to contain neotame, though it was absent in cartridge-based devices like JUUL. The sweetener is not listed on vape packaging, raising concerns as these devices remain popular especially among youth.
Beyond vaping, neotame is already present in a range of everyday products including gum, candy, baked goods, flavored drinks, salad dressings, and even dairy-based desserts. It also appears in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics due to its ability to mask unpleasant tastes. Originally approved as a food additive in 2002, its use has expanded due to its potency and heat resistance.
In vaping devices, which can heat up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, neotame doesn’t break down as easily as other sweeteners. This makes it a desirable additive to maintain sweetness even after heating. This quality has also led to its approval in baked goods, where many other sweeteners would otherwise degrade.
The combination of high sweetness and heat stability is especially concerning in the context of disposable e-cigarettes. These products often contain higher nicotine concentrations and thousands more puffs per device than older versions. The presence of neotame may increase their appeal, particularly to young users.
While neotame has been deemed safe for food use based on animal testing, questions remain about its effects on human health especially when inhaled. Recent findings suggest it may harm the human gut lining, causing the death of intestinal cells and negatively affecting gut bacteria. These disruptions could lead to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation, and other metabolic issues.
There is currently no data on how neotame affects the lungs when inhaled regularly. The lack of labeling and tracking means it’s difficult for consumers to monitor their intake, especially when it’s consumed across various products. Although reaching the FDA’s daily intake limit through vaping alone is unlikely, combined with dietary sources, the risk becomes more significant.
While artificial sweeteners can be used safely in moderation, inhaling them through e-cigarettes introduces unknown risks. As research continues, it’s important to remain cautious and informed, particularly when using products in unintended ways.
