Thaumatin
Thaumatin suppliers and sourcing guide
Thaumatin is a group of intensely sweet proteins found in the fruit of Thaumatococcus daniellii, the West African katemfe plant. It is extracted from the fruit arils with water, purified by filtration steps and dried to a cream-colored powder; recombinant thaumatin II made by other production systems is also on the market. FDA describes it as 2,000 to 3,000 times sweeter than table sugar, and it is used at very low levels as a sweetener and flavor modifier, usually bought diluted on a carrier.
- Category
- Sweeteners
- Also known as
- E957 · Thaumatococcus daniellii protein · katemfe protein · Talin · CAS 53850-34-3
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of thaumatin
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Purified powder
Concentrated thaumatin extracted from the fruit, for manufacturers who make their own dilutions.
Carrier dilutions
Thaumatin spread on maltodextrin or another carrier at a stated percentage for easier dosing.
Liquid preparations
Thaumatin in solution for dosing into beverages, flavors and syrups.
Recombinant thaumatin II
Thaumatin II made by a production organism instead of extraction from fruit; each supplier's process is described in its own GRAS notice.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Protein and thaumatin content
- Total nitrogen or protein (Kjeldahl or Dumas) and thaumatin content by HPLC or electrophoresis, on a dry basis.
- Carbohydrate and ash
- Residual carbohydrate and sulfated ash, which show how far the extract has been purified.
- Loss on drying
- Moisture by loss on drying.
- Heavy metals
- Lead and other metals by ICP-MS against the supplier or JECFA limit.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms and pathogens; for recombinant grades, absence of the production organism.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store thaumatin sealed in a cool, dry place away from light; as a protein it can lose sweetness if exposed to heat in solution. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of thaumatin content and micro for aged stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Record the thaumatin content of each lot and the dilution ratio of any carrier blend, because sweetness tracks protein content closely. Note whether a lot is fruit-derived or recombinant, since the supply chain and paperwork differ.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists thaumatin with the technical effect "flavoring agent or adjuvant".
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 738 (thaumatin, notified by Nomad Bioscience GmbH for use as a sweetener in listed food categories) closed with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada includes thaumatin in its List of Permitted Sweeteners for breath fresheners, chewing gum, flavoring preparations and salt substitutes, with maximum levels.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Thaumatin suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking thaumatin suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell thaumatin? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of thaumatin can brands buy?
Common forms include purified powder, carrier dilutions, liquid preparations and recombinant thaumatin II. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for thaumatin include?
Expect protein and thaumatin content, carbohydrate and ash, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should thaumatin be stored?
Store thaumatin sealed in a cool, dry place away from light; as a protein it can lose sweetness if exposed to heat in solution. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of thaumatin content and micro for aged stock.
What is the regulatory status of thaumatin?
FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists thaumatin with the technical effect "flavoring agent or adjuvant". GRN 738 (thaumatin, notified by Nomad Bioscience GmbH for use as a sweetener in listed food categories) closed with FDA having no questions. Health Canada includes thaumatin in its List of Permitted Sweeteners for breath fresheners, chewing gum, flavoring preparations and salt substitutes, with maximum levels.
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