E957 – Thaumati
SweetenerDescription
Naturally derived mixture of proteins (thaumatin I and II) extracted from the arils of the Thaumatococcus daniellii fruit. Functions as a high-intensity sweetener (approx. 2000-3000x sweeter than sucrose) and flavor modifier (E957). It is highly soluble, pH stable, and used primarily in flavor systems to mask bitterness and enhance flavor profiles.
Notes
Thaumatin comes from nature's candy factory – the katemfe fruit that grows on the Thaumatococcus daniellii plant in the rainforests of West Africa. Local people have used this fruit as a sweetener for centuries. The sweetening power comes from proteins found in the fruit's arils (the fleshy coating around the seeds). These proteins are extracted and purified to create thaumatin powder, making it one of the few protein-based sweeteners available. This remarkable natural sweetener is extraordinarily potent, measuring 2000 to 3000 times sweeter than regular sugar, though its sweetness has a slow onset and lingering effect that's quite different from sugar. You'll find thaumatin in various sugar-free and reduced-sugar products including beverages, desserts, and confectionery. It's also used as a flavor enhancer because it can help mask bitter tastes and improve overall flavor profiles in foods. Being a natural plant protein, thaumatin is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and generally acceptable under most religious dietary laws. Since it's a protein rather than a chemical compound, some people prefer it over synthetic sweeteners. However, individuals with severe allergies to tropical fruits should exercise caution. It's recognized as safe by food authorities and is particularly valued in the natural foods industry as a plant-based, high-intensity sweetener option.