# Thaumatin B, Recombinant (E957)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**E-number:** E957
**CAS number:** 977178-03-2
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Thaumatin B, Recombinant is a protein-based sweetening and flavoring agent derived from recombinant DNA technology. It is used in food products as a flavor enhancer and sweetener alternative, offering intense sweetness at very low concentrations.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Thaumatin B, Recombinant?

Thaumatin B, Recombinant (CAS Number: 977178-03-2) is a food-grade flavoring agent produced through recombinant biotechnology. It is derived from thaumatin, a naturally occurring protein found in the katemfe fruit (Thaumatococcus danielli), native to West Africa. The recombinant version is manufactured by inserting the thaumatin gene into microorganisms or other expression systems that produce the protein in controlled industrial settings.

Thaumatin is classified as a protein sweetener and flavor enhancer. It has an extraordinarily high sweetness intensity—approximately 1,600 to 2,000 times sweeter than sucrose—making it useful in applications where minimal quantities are needed to achieve desired sweetness levels.

## Common Uses

Thaumatin B, Recombinant is used as a flavoring agent and sweetness enhancer in various food and beverage products. Its applications include:

- Sugar-free and reduced-calorie confectioneries
- Beverages and soft drinks
- Dairy products and yogurts
- Chewing gums
- Tabletop sweeteners
- Flavor enhancement in processed foods
- Pharmaceutical formulations and oral care products

Because thaumatin is a protein, it can be used to provide natural-origin labeling in many jurisdictions, which appeals to consumers seeking plant-derived ingredients.

## Safety Assessment

Thaumatin B, Recombinant has demonstrated a favorable safety profile based on available data. The protein is generally recognized as safe by regulatory authorities in multiple countries. Key safety considerations include:

**Protein Structure and Metabolism**: As a protein sweetener, thaumatin is digested like other dietary proteins in the human gastrointestinal tract. It does not accumulate in body tissues and is metabolized through normal protein degradation pathways.

**Allergenicity Considerations**: While thaumatin is derived from a plant source, it is distinct from common food allergens. However, individuals with sensitivities to tropical fruits should be aware of its botanical origin. Comprehensive allergenicity assessments have been conducted in regulatory submissions.

**Toxicology**: Preclinical studies have shown no evidence of acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, mutagenicity, or carcinogenicity at relevant exposure levels. The FDA has received zero adverse event reports associated with thaumatin use, and there have been no product recalls linked to this ingredient.

**Intake Levels**: Due to thaumatin's extreme sweetness intensity, human dietary exposure remains minimal. Only trace amounts are required to achieve sweetening effects, resulting in negligible caloric and nutritional contribution.

## Regulatory Status

Thaumatin B, Recombinant is not listed on the FDA's Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list in the United States. However, this does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that manufacturers have chosen alternative regulatory pathways or that GRAS affirmation has not been pursued through formal FDA notification procedures.

International regulatory status varies:

- **European Union**: Thaumatin (E957) is approved as a food additive
- **Japan**: Approved for use in food products
- **Australia/New Zealand**: Listed as an approved food additive
- **Canada**: Permitted as a food additive

Where approved, thaumatin typically requires labeling on product ingredients lists.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on thaumatin safety is extensive, spanning decades of research:

- Long-term animal feeding studies have shown no adverse effects at levels far exceeding potential human exposure
- Human tolerance studies have demonstrated no gastrointestinal distress at normal consumption levels
- Genotoxicity screening has shown negative results
- Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have been conducted with negative findings

The safety database for thaumatin is substantial relative to many food additives, with regulatory approvals in major global markets supporting its safe use at intended levels.

## Brands using Thaumatin B, Recombinant

- AgeMate (1 product)
- JSHEALTH (1 product)
- Nexus (1 product)
- Nuzest (1 product)
- Nuzest Vanilla Flavor (1 product)
- The Collagen Co (1 product)
- The Collagen Co. (1 product)

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Thaumatin B, Recombinant (E957) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/thaumatin-b-recombinant. Accessed 2026-05-20.