E957: Thaumatin
Main role: sweetening and flavor modification
Also listed as: thaumatin protein
What is E957 (Thaumatin)?
Thaumatin is a sweet-tasting protein preparation obtained from the fruit of Thaumatococcus daniellii. It can provide intense sweetness and modify flavor, so only small quantities may be needed in a recipe.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is sweetening and flavor modification. Sweeteners differ in intensity, bulk, and processing behavior. Intense sweeteners often need other ingredients to replace sugar’s volume. A sweetener declaration therefore does not tell you the complete carbohydrate or calorie content.
Food and formulation examples
- Flavor preparations
- Chewing gum
- Sweetener blends
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E957, E 957, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include thaumatin protein. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A plant-derived protein sweetener is not nutritionally equivalent to eating the source fruit. Its food function and small use quantity should be considered separately from general protein nutrition.
Is E957 safe?
EFSA’s 2021 evaluation found no safety concern at the food-use exposures assessed. EFSA thaumatin re-evaluation (2021).
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E957 as Thaumatin. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.