Can people with PKU use sweeteners?
People with the rare genetic condition phenylketonuria (PKU) are unable to metabolise phenylalanine and need to control their intake of this amino acid from all food sources. This means they must avoid foods and drinks containing the sweetener aspartame, which contains a source of phenylalanine. Our drinks sweetened with aspartame such as Coke Zero, Schweppes Slimline Bitter Lemon and Lilt Zero are clearly labelled as such to alert these consumers to the presence of phenylalanine.
