E957

E957 is a food additive approved by the EU (European Union). It is used as a natural sweetener and flavour modifier in food and drink products.

The common name for E957 is thaumatin.

E957 is a protein that originates from the tropical fruit, Thaumococcus danielli. It can be up to x2000 sweeter than sugar, although it conveys a slightly different and more slowly developing taste. E957’s stability at high temperatures enables it to be used in cooked foods, such as bakery products.

E957 may act as an allergen to the respiratory system in rare cases, but is generally recognised as a safe sweetening agent for use in food products.

Examples of food and drink products that sometimes include E957:

• bread
• fruit
• wine

Note⁽¹⁾ The list of Food Additives (E Numbers) included in this section is subject to change as chemicals are added or removed by regulatory authorities. This list may not be complete or and some details might not be up to date.

Note⁽²⁾ These numbers are also used in Australia and New Zealand but without the E.

Government approvals and other regulatory details are subject to change.

Regulatory approvals and advice can change.

This was added in July 2008. For current details please check with the relevant authorities.