Aspartame vs. Saccharin in Li Hing Products: What Actually Matters
Understanding Sweeteners in Li Hing Products: Aspartame vs. Saccharin
A clear, straightforward breakdown of stability, flavor, and why formulation choices matter in Li Hing products.
Li Hing mui has been part of Hawaii’s snack culture for over a century. From crack seed stores to shave ice stands, the sweet–salty–tart balance is what makes it unforgettable.
Recently, we’ve seen more questions about sweeteners used in li hing products — particularly aspartame and saccharin. Here’s a calm, practical look at the differences and why formulation matters.
A Brief History of Sweeteners in Li Hing
Traditional salted plums were intensely tart and salty. As li hing products evolved into powders and candies, sweeteners were added to balance flavor and improve consistency across batches.
Over time, many brands — including ours — used different sweeteners depending on application and availability. Like most food products, formulations evolve.
Aspartame: Common and Widely Used
Aspartame has been used in many low-calorie food and beverage products for decades.
- Low calorie
- Clean sweetness when properly balanced
- Not heat stable (can lose sweetness under higher temperatures)
- Contains phenylalanine (not suitable for individuals with PKU)
Aspartame can work well in certain products but may lose sweetness in applications where heat or temperature fluctuations are a factor.
Saccharin: Heat Stable and Long Established
Saccharin has also been used in food products for many decades and is one of the longest-established non-caloric sweeteners.
- Zero calories
- Highly heat stable
- Does not break down easily in higher-temperature environments
- Long shelf stability
Because of its stability, saccharin can perform more consistently in certain li hing applications — especially where temperature changes can occur during production, shipping, or storage.
Why Stability Matters in Li Hing Products
Li hing powder and tablet candies go through drying, blending, compression, and packaging processes. Heat stability and moisture resistance can affect:
- Flavor consistency
- Shelf life
- Sweetness retention
- Overall product integrity
Sweetener choice is often less about “good” or “bad” and more about how the formulation performs in the real world.
Our Approach at Hawaii’s Choice
Over the years, we evaluated our formulations and moved away from aspartame in our li hing tablet products.
Our current tablets are:
- Compressed li hing powder
- Free from aspartame
- Designed for flavor consistency and stability
- Available in stores throughout Hawaii
We believe in transparency and thoughtful formulation — especially with products that are part of Hawaii’s food heritage.
Flavor Comes First
Li hing is about balance:
- Tartness from plum
- Salinity from mineral salts
- Sweetness for contrast
- Spice notes depending on formulation
Sweeteners are one component of a much larger flavor system.
A Note on Preference
Some people prefer one sweetener over another. Sensitivity and taste perception vary from person to person. We always encourage consumers to read ingredient labels and choose what aligns with their preferences.
Heritage, Modernized
Li hing mui has traveled from traditional preserved plums to powders, candies, tablets, and modern snack formats. As a brand with roots in Hawaii’s snack history, our goal is simple: Honor the original flavor — while using thoughtful, stable, modern formulation practices.
Related Reading
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Quick FAQ
Is saccharin “better” than aspartame?
“Better” depends on the application and personal preference. In some li hing formats, saccharin’s heat stability and shelf consistency can be an advantage.
Why do some people avoid aspartame?
Some people prefer to avoid it due to taste sensitivity or dietary considerations. Individuals with PKU should avoid aspartame because it contains phenylalanine.
What makes Li Hing tablets different from powder?
Tablets are a compressed format of li hing powder, designed for portability and consistent portioning — convenient for travel, on-the-go snacking, and everyday use.
Industry Perspective
We’ve previously discussed ingredient transparency and formulation considerations in a public broadcast interview. For those interested in a broader discussion around food ingredients and consumer education, the interview is below.