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E957SweetenerLow concern
Thaumatin
In plain words
The short version
A naturally sweet protein from West African katemfe fruit — 2000× sweeter than sucrose, with a slow lingering finish.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI not specified (SCF; JECFA, which in 2025 made it a group ADI 'not specified' that also covers recombinant thaumatin II). In 2015 EFSA found that the proposed extensions of use did not raise a safety concern. Digested as a normal dietary protein. Low allergenic potential.
The detail
Extracted from the fruit of the West African katemfe plant (Thaumatococcus daniellii), where it is the source of the fruit's intense sweetness. Today produced by extraction (Tate & Lyle's Talin product) or recombinant fermentation.
About 2000× sweeter than sucrose with a slow onset and lingering liquorice-like finish — used at very low levels (parts per million) in chewing gum, supplements (where it masks bitter actives), some dairy desserts, and beverages. Often used as a flavor enhancer at sub-sweetening doses rather than the primary sweetener.
Off-white powder, freely soluble in water. Heat-stable up to ~120°C (denatures at higher temperatures, losing sweetness). pH-stable across the food range.
Permitted in the EU, UK, Japan (where it has been used for decades), Israel, and Australia. In the US, thaumatin is intended for use as a sweetener in various foods; FDA has evaluated several GRAS notices for it and has not questioned the notifiers' GRAS conclusions under the intended conditions of use.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Thaumatin (INS 957) — WHO / FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, 2025. Safety: ADI 'not specified', revised in 2025 to a group ADI that includes thaumatin II
- EFSA ANS Panel — Scientific Opinion on the safety of the extension of use of thaumatin (E 957) (2015) — EFSA (EFSA Journal), 2015. Safety: ADI 'not specified' (SCF/JECFA); digested as a protein; extension of use not a safety concern
- FDA — Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food — U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025. Regulation: US GRAS notices for thaumatin as a sweetener, with no FDA questions
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 establishing the Union list of food additives — Publications Office of the EU (Official Journal L 295), 2011. Regulation: E 957 is an authorised EU sweetener
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.