Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in thousands of low-sugar and sugar-free foods and beverages globally. It provides intense sweetness with low calories, making it popular in diet sodas, sugar-free gums, and tabletop sweeteners. While regulatory authorities deem it safe within recommended limits, emerging research raises questions about possible neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Consumers should use it moderately and avoid it if they have PKU.