UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 31
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consists of amino acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it is used as a low-calorie sweetening agent in food items. What is the basis of this use ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D
Explanation: Aspartame is intensely sweet (roughly 200 times sucrose), so only tiny quantities are needed to sweeten food despite providing energy per gram.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Aspartame is much sweeter than sugar, not equally sweet and unoxidisable.
B: Incorrect - Processing does not simply make it resistant to oxidation while keeping sweetness.
C: Incorrect - It is metabolised and can yield energy; the claim of no calories is false.
D: Correct - tiny doses contribute negligible calories for equivalent sweetness.