Aspartame. Computer-generated molecular model of aspartame (C14H18N2O5), the sugar substitute. Aspartame is composed of carbon (green), hydrogen (grey-white), oxygen (red) and nitrogen (blue). The generic name is L-alpha-aspartyl-L- phenylalanine methyl ester. Its main uses are in canned drinks and foods, and as a consumer-added sweetener. Aspartame is metabolised to its components of aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. It is about 180 times sweeter than sugar and equates to less than 1% of the amount of sugar needed.