# Thaumatin (E957)

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/thaumatin
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/thaumatin.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**E-number:** E957
**CAS number:** 53850-34-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Thaumatin is a naturally derived protein sweetener extracted from the katemfe fruit, approximately 2,000 times sweeter than sucrose. It is used as a flavor enhancer and sweetening agent in various food and beverage products.

## 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?

Thaumatin is a protein-based sweetening agent derived from the fruit of Thaumatococcus danielli, a West African plant commonly known as the katemfe fruit. The compound consists of a small protein molecule (207 amino acids) that exhibits extraordinary sweetness intensity. Thaumatin was first isolated and characterized in the 1970s and has since become commercially available as a food additive. It is approximately 2,000 times sweeter than sucrose on a weight basis, making it one of the most potent natural sweeteners available.

## Common Uses

Thaumatin is primarily used as a flavoring agent and sweetness enhancer in food and beverage applications. Common uses include:

- Tabletop sweetener products
- Beverages (soft drinks, flavored waters, juice drinks)
- Dairy products (yogurt, milk-based drinks)
- Confectionery and chewing gum
- Pharmaceutical applications (masking bitter tastes in medications)
- Food seasonings and flavor enhancers

Due to its protein nature, thaumatin is heat-labile and may lose sweetness intensity in high-temperature processing, which limits some applications compared to synthetic sweeteners.

## Safety Assessment

Thaumatin has demonstrated a strong safety profile in scientific literature. The compound is rapidly metabolized by the body as a protein and does not accumulate in tissues. Key safety considerations include:

- No reported adverse events in FDA databases
- No recalls associated with thaumatin in FDA records
- Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status in several countries, though not confirmed by FDA in the United States
- Extensive toxicology studies have shown no genotoxic, carcinogenic, or reproductive effects at practical consumption levels
- Potential allergenic concerns exist due to its protein nature, though such reactions are rare and typically occur only in individuals with specific protein sensitivities

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has conducted risk assessments of thaumatin and established acceptable daily intake recommendations based on available safety data.

## Regulatory Status

Thaumatin's regulatory approval varies by jurisdiction:

- **European Union**: Approved as food additive E957 under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008
- **United States**: Not affirmed as GRAS by the FDA; available through food contact notifications
- **Japan**: Approved for use in specific food categories
- **Australia/New Zealand**: Approved as food additive under Food Standards Code
- **Canada**: Permitted as a food additive in certain applications

The lack of FDA GRAS affirmation in the United States does not indicate safety concerns but rather reflects the regulatory framework and commercial prioritization by manufacturers.

## Key Studies

Scientific research on thaumatin safety includes:

- Long-term toxicity studies in laboratory animals showing no adverse effects at high exposure levels
- Metabolic studies demonstrating rapid digestion as a standard protein without bioaccumulation
- Genotoxicity assessments (bacterial mutation tests, chromosome aberration tests) with negative results
- Human tolerance studies indicating good acceptance and no systemic toxicity
- Allergenicity research indicating low potential for allergic response in the general population, though individuals with certain protein sensitivities warrant caution

Research published in regulatory submissions and peer-reviewed literature consistently supports the safety of thaumatin at levels of use in food applications. The protein nature of thaumatin means it follows normal dietary protein metabolism pathways in the human body.

## Brands using Thaumatin

- 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 (E957) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/thaumatin. Accessed 2026-05-20.