Is thaumatin safe?

Thaumatin is regarded as acceptable for specified foods by the major food safety authorities under specified conditions and if used in accordance with their specifications. When considering the food manufacturer's perspective, it is important to consider the science behind the safety assessment of thaumatin, the quality of the food sweetener powder, the amount of thaumatin in the formulation, processing stability, and regulatory compliance.

Thaumatin Sweetener Powder: Composition and Safety

Thaumatin is a family of proteins that are naturally occurring sweet-tasting proteins from the tropical West African plant Thaumatococcus daniellii. In the EU, it is numbered as E 957 and in the international food additive system as INS 957.

The protein composition: thaumatin I and thaumatin II are the main sweet-tasting proteins found in commercial thaumatin. This ingredient is different from normal carbohydrate sweeteners in that it is protein-based.

Scientific evaluation: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated thaumatin in 2021 and found it to be safe when used under the conditions assessed. There was no need for an acceptable daily intake (ADI) to be established as a number.

Practical interpretation: This finding is based on the evidence and the circumstances of exposure assessed by the authority. Does not assume that any commercial grade or application is suitable.

Prior to using thaumatin in a final product, manufacturers must confirm the identity of the ingredients, their specifications and regulatory authorization.

What Scientific Evidence Says About Thaumatin Safety

Food safety assessment takes into account the characteristics of the ingredients, toxicological data and expected amounts of exposure in the diet. The results are a basis for assessment of authorized uses.

Digestibility: EFSA considered thaumatin a digestible protein. This is a property which helps in its scientific evaluation but is not a criterion for the safety of any individual formulation.

No evidence was reviewed by EFSA in its 2021 assessment that raised any concerns about genotoxicity.

Toxicological studies: No adverse effects were noted in the toxicological assessment in subchronic studies in rats and dogs tested at the highest dose. Animal data are not designed to be used to prove that unlimited human consumption is OK, but are used as part of an overall safety assessment.

Oral allergenicity: EFSA was unable to draw a clear conclusion from the human data available on the oral allergenicity. So, manufacturers should refrain from claiming thaumatin is completely free of allergens.

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) also studied thaumatin, including thaumatin II, which is produced by recombinant technology, in 2025. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that the assay is performed on the ingredient and production process of their intended use.

 

 

Thaumatin Sweetener Dosage and Formulation

Thaumatin is a high-intensity sweetener, and its level of incorporation into any product should be determined by product-specific testing, rather than from sugar-based recipes.

Determine the target: Determine the sweetness, flavor profile, type of product, and permitted use level for the target before conducting trials.

Optimise the concentration: Perform incremental dosage levels, as intensity of sweetness and aftertaste may differ with concentration and food matrix.

Compare blends of sweeteners: If using thaumatin in combination with other sweeteners, consider the overall sensory characteristics of the combination, rather than the assumption of additive sweetness.

Document production parameters: Document the amount of ingredients used, mixing processes, and sensory acceptance criteria to aid in scale-up.

Supplier recommendations can be utilized to help with preliminary testing, but should not be a substitute for a regulatory test or formulation validation.

Thaumatin Powder Stability During Processing

The process conditions and final product composition affect the performance of Thaumatin. Acidity, temperature, and exposure time are relevant factors in protein structure.

Time and temperature: Determine the real-time temperature profile, especially during holding and extended holding periods, as well as heating. Do not expect to achieve the same results in different processing conditions.

Test thaumatin in the desired pH range, particularly in the formulation of acidic beverages, concentrates, and powdered drinks.

Dispersion: Set up an appropriate sequence of additions and mixing for a dry blend or liquid system to ensure uniform dispersion.

Shelf-life testing: Measure the sweetness perception, appearance, and related quality parameters in the intended packaging and storage conditions. Real-time studies give practical evidence to help decide on shelf life.

Tests are required to differentiate between the quality of the incoming ingredients and changes in the finished product.

 

Quality Specifications for Commercial Thaumatin Powder

For ingredient use, there need to be documented specifications and appropriate incoming quality controls.

Identity and assay: To confirm the identity of the ingredient and that it meets the declared purity or other relevant specifications.

Microbiological quality: Perform microbial testing as needed for the desired application of the food.

Contaminant limits: Review levels of heavy metals or other factors that may be applicable with respect to regulations or purchasing specifications.

Traceability: Ask for a Certificate of Analysis (COA), lot number, and test support.

Handling and storage: Store and handle powder according to the supplier's directions and workplace procedures, paying special attention to limiting the amount of unnecessary airborne dust when handling powder.

Such controls support procurement teams and aid in establishing consistent ingredient qualification records and comparing suppliers.

Thaumatin Food Safety Regulations Across Markets

The scientific safety assessment does not imply that thaumatin is allowed in all food categories or all countries.

European Union: Thaumatin is E 957. The manufacturers are responsible for checking the EU legislation for permitted food categories, conditions of use, and relevant specifications.

International standards: Codex Alimentarius provides food additive provisions which help food regulatory processes, but the national provisions will be decided by the national authorities.

Market-specific compliance: Ensure the identity, production, labelling, and use of the ingredient prior to commercial release.

Is thaumatin a safe sweetener?

Finally, scientific assessments have been made in favor of the use of the assessed types of thaumatin under proper conditions. The product should be formulated in a controlled way, the quality of the ingredients verified, tested for stability, and the level of the thaumatin sweetener in the formulation should be controlled, with compliance with destination market regulations. Manufacturers need to make decisions based on current authoritative assessments and not on general statements of a sweetener's safety.

 

In case you need a good sourcing choice or large-scale procurement, then you can reach us at the email info@scigroundbio.com or simply fill out your needs in the form below. We will respond to your query promptly and provide information about the products, pricing, and customization options available that will help your business.

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FAQ

1. Is thaumatin sweetener approved for food use?

It is approved for use in certain foods. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring local approval and conditions of use.

2. Does thaumatin have an established ADI?

In 2021, EFSA decided that a numerical ADI is not necessary. For the relevant substances and production methods, it is recommended to refer to JECFA's evaluations.

3. Is thaumatin powder stable during heating?

It is dependent upon various factors such as temperature, exposure time, pH and product matrix. It is recommended to use application-specific testing.

4. What documents should buyers request when sourcing thaumatin powder?

Ask for batch-specific COA, product specification, contaminant and microbiological testing results, and compliance documents.

References

1. EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF). (2021). Re-evaluation of thaumatin (E 957) as food additive. EFSA Journal, 19(11), e06884.

2. Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. (2025). Safety evaluation of certain food additives: Prepared by the one-hundredth meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO Food Additives Series 91). World Health Organization.

3. European Food Safety Authority. (2023). Assessment of the feed additive consisting of thaumatin for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation. EFSA Journal.

4. Codex Alimentarius Commission. (2025). GSFA Online: Food additive details for thaumatin (INS 957). FAO/WHO.