E957 Thaumatin

E957SweetenersOrigin: Plant

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Every diet

VeganYes

Made from fruit.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Used in such tiny amounts that it adds no carbs.

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Thaumatin (E957) is a sweet protein from an African fruit, about 2,000 times sweeter than sugar. It's digested like any protein and considered very safe.

90/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE957

Comes fromPlant

What it doesSweeteners

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledThaumatin, Talin

Plant-based sweeteners for home

For your pantry

Pantry staple

Monk fruit sweetener

Another fruit-based, zero-calorie sweetener that measures like sugar.

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Pantry staple

Pure stevia drops

A few drops sweeten coffee and tea with no calories.

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Clean grocery swap

Stevia-sweetened gum

Gum sweetened with plant extracts instead of artificial sweeteners.

Shop natural gum Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Generally recognized as safe in the US, mainly as a flavor enhancer. Approved in the EU as a sweetener, and EFSA's 2021 review found no need for a daily limit.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Thaumatin is a protein, not a sugar, so it's used in tiny amounts. Its sweetness builds slowly and lingers with a licorice-like note, so it's mostly blended with other sweeteners or used to round out flavors.

Where it comes from: Extracted from the fruit of the katemfe plant (Thaumatococcus daniellii) from West Africa.

Why it’s in food

Masks bitterness in drinks and medicines
Boosts mint and fruit flavors in gum
Rounds out other low-calorie sweeteners
Sweetens without adding calories

Often found in

Chewing gumDiet soft drinksFlavored waterDairy dessertsPet foodSupplements and medicines

Also listed as: Thaumatin, Talin, Katemfe protein

Health & gut impact

DigestionConcern

It's broken down into ordinary amino acids, like any dietary protein.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2021)

Blood sugarBenefit

It doesn't raise blood sugar, which makes it suitable for people with diabetes.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2021)

What can I use instead?

Monk fruit

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Drinks and baking

Stevia

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Drinks and yogurt

More sweeteners:

Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) E950Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, E950) is a zero-calorie sweetener approved in the US, EU and Canada. EFSA re-checked it in 2025 and raised its daily limit. It's usually paired with sucralose or aspartame to hide a slightly bitter aftertaste.Use in moderation AlluloseAllulose is a "rare sugar" that tastes like sugar but has almost no calories and doesn't raise blood sugar. It's keto-friendly and browns like real sugar in baking.Generally safe Aspartame E951Aspartame (E951) is a zero-calorie sweetener in diet soda. It's approved, but WHO's cancer agency called it "possibly carcinogenic" in 2023, and people with PKU must avoid it.Use in moderation Erythritol E968Erythritol (E968) is a zero-calorie sugar alcohol popular in keto foods. A 2023 study linked high blood levels to heart risk, and large amounts can upset your stomach.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Thaumatin safe?

Generally safe (90/100). Generally recognized as safe in the US, mainly as a flavor enhancer. Approved in the EU as a sweetener, and EFSA's 2021 review found no need for a daily limit.

Is Thaumatin vegan?

Yes. Made from fruit.

Is Thaumatin gluten-free?

Yes.

Is thaumatin an artificial sweetener?

No. It's a natural protein from the katemfe fruit.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E957
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2021)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 2, 2026 · INS 957 · CAS 53850-34-3