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E955SweetenerModerate concern
Sucralose
In plain words
The short version
A heat-stable, calorie-free sweetener about 600 times sweeter than sucrose.
Why we flag it amber
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight (EU and JECFA; confirmed by EFSA in 2026), 5 mg/kg (FDA). Most sucralose passes through unchanged. Recent studies have raised questions about heat-degradation products (chloropropanols) when baked at very high temperatures and about effects on gut microbiota.
The detail
Discovered in 1976 by researchers at Tate & Lyle and Queen Elizabeth College. Produced by selectively chlorinating sucrose at three positions.
Used in diet drinks, baked goods, dairy products, and tabletop sweeteners. One of the few intense sweeteners that survives baking temperatures.
White crystalline powder, very soluble in water. Stable to heat, acid, and prolonged storage.
Permitted globally. EFSA completed its re-evaluation in 2026, keeping the ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight and finding no safety concern at the reported uses and use levels. It could not conclude on a proposed extension of use in fine bakery wares because of uncertainty about the possible formation of chlorinated compounds during baking.
Sources
- EFSA FAF Panel — Re-evaluation of sucralose (E 955) as a food additive and evaluation of an extension of use in fine bakery wares (2026) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Journal), 2026. EU ADI 15 mg/kg bw/day kept; no safety concern at reported uses; could not conclude on fine bakery wares
- FDA — Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food (content current as of 27 Feb 2025) — US Food and Drug Administration, 2025. FDA ADI for sucralose 5 mg/kg bw/day; about 600 times sweeter; heat stable
- WHO JECFA database — Sucralose (INS 955) — World Health Organization / JECFA, 1990. JECFA ADI 0–15 mg/kg bw
- 21 CFR 172.831 — Sucralose (eCFR, current to 13 Oct 2026) — US Office of the Federal Register / FDA, 2026. US authorisation as a general-purpose sweetener
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.