A low-calorie (virtually calorie-free) protein sweetener and flavour modifier. The substance

is often used for its flavour modifying properties and not as a sweetener.

Comes from the West African Katemfe fruit Thaumatococcus daniellii.

RELATIVE SWEETNESS

Approximately 2000-3000 times sweeter than sucrose (w/v).

METABOLISM

Metabolised by the body as any other dietary protein.

BENEFITS

• Totally natural, intense sweetness.

• Multi-functional ingredient with benefits to flavours and sweeteners

• Stable in freeze-dried form and soluble in water and aqueous alcohol.

• Effective masking properties

• Does not promote tooth decay.

• Heat and pH stable

• Synergistic when combined with other low-calorie sweeteners (the combinations are

sweeter than the sum of the individual sweeteners).

• Adds mouth-feel

Delayed perception of sweetness; perception lasts a long time leaving a liquorice-like

aftertaste at high usage levels.

APPLICATIONS

Thaumatin has a wide range of applications in food and drinks in combination with other

sweeteners; it is particularly effective for its flavouring properties:

SAFETY

A multitude of animal and human studies have been conducted. No adverse reactions have

been observed.

STATUS

Thaumatin has been approved by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives

(JECFA) (1985) and by the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) of the European Commission

(1988) – now the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Thaumatin is listed in Table III of the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA).

This means that it is permitted for use in food in general, unless otherwise specified, in

accordance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).

Thaumatin is an authorised sweetener in the European Parliament and Council Directive

94/35/EC of 30 June 1994 on sweeteners for use in foodstuffs and an authorised flavour

enhancer in chewing-gum, beverages and desserts under the Miscellaneous Additives

Directive 95/2/EC. Thaumatin is also approved in all applications in Europe as a "flavour

preparation" under Directive 88/388/EC. When used as a sweetener, maximum levels need

to be followed in given food categories; when used as a flavour enhancer, thaumatin can be

used in any food under GMP.

Similar approval exists in Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Israel, Mexico, Japan,

Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and further approval

is being sought elsewhere.

Thaumatin is classified as GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) by the FDA (Food and Drug

Administration) in the USA.

ADI

JECFA gave Thaumatin an ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) of "not specified", which means that

it can be used according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).