Aspart is a low-calorie artificial sweetener commonly used in food and beverages. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, allowing manufacturers to use smaller amounts to achieve the desired sweetness. Aspart is often found in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and various low-calorie products. The compound is made from two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which are naturally occurring in many protein-containing foods. While it is generally recognized as safe by regulatory agencies, some individuals with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspart due to their inability to metabolize phenylalanine.