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E959 Neohesperidin DC (NHDC)

E959SweetenersOrigin: Lab-made
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The short answer
Neohesperidin DC (E959) is a high-intensity sweetener made from a bitter-orange compound. It is approved, used in tiny amounts, and often added as much to round off other sweeteners as to sweeten on its own.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE959
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesSweeteners
Glycemic index—
Daily limit5 mg/kg
Also calledNeohesperidin DC, NHDC

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Neohesperidin DC is an approved sweetener and flavor modifier in the EU and is permitted as a flavor in the US. The long-standing daily limit is 5 mg per kg of body weight. Foods use it in milligram amounts.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

350 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 5 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 100 mg a day.

What is it?

NHDC is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar and has a lingering sweetness. Blenders use a pinch to soften the bitter edge of saccharin, stevia or minerals in drinks.

Where it comes from: NHDC is made by chemically modifying neohesperidin, a bitter flavonoid from bitter orange (Seville orange) peel, into a very sweet molecule.

Why it’s in food

  • Boosts other sweeteners
  • Softens bitter notes
  • Sweetens chewing gum
  • Sweetens drink mixes

Often found in

Chewing gumSoft drinksTabletop blendsYogurtSaucesMedicinal syrups

Also listed as: Neohesperidin DC, NHDC, Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone

Health & gut impact

Daily limitConcern

The 5 mg per kg daily limit for neohesperidin DC is far above the milligrams used to flavor or sweeten a serving.

SCF opinion on neohesperidin dihydrochalcone

Source fruitConcern

The starting flavonoid comes from bitter orange peel, but the sweetener on the label is the modified molecule, not a squeeze of juice.

JECFA evaluation of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone

What can I use instead?

Stevia

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Drinks

Thaumatin

Ratio: A pinch

Best for: Masking bitterness

Related

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 moderationAdvantame E969Advantame (E969) is an extremely intense sweetener related to aspartame. Regulators approve it, and the amount in a food is tiny next to the daily limit. It does not carry aspartame's phenylalanine warning at normal use.Generally safeAlluloseAllulose 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 safeAspartame 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

Common questions

Is NHDC the same as orange juice?

No. It starts from a compound in bitter orange peel and is then chemically changed into a sweetener. It does not taste like orange juice.

Is Neohesperidin DC safe?

Generally safe (87/100). Neohesperidin DC is an approved sweetener and flavor modifier in the EU and is permitted as a flavor in the US. The long-standing daily limit is 5 mg per kg of body weight. Foods use it in milligram amounts.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E959
  • SCF opinion on neohesperidin dihydrochalcone
  • JECFA evaluation of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone

INS 959 · CAS 20702-77-6