James Schlatter Found Aspartame Sweetness

In 1965, American chemist James M. Schlatter accidentally discovered aspartame while researching anti-ulcer drugs at G.D. Searle & Company. He was synthesizing an intermediate compound when he licked his finger to turn a page and noticed an intense sweetness. The compound turned out to be far sweeter than sugar, even though Schlatter had not been looking for a sweetener. The discovery eventually led to aspartame becoming one of the best-known artificial sweeteners.

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