Thaumatin (also known as E957 in the European Union) is a food additive, acting as a flavor enhancer and sweetener, it is a natural product extracted from the husks of katemfe fruit’s seeds, growing in the Thaumatococcus daniellii bush, in West Africa.
It is, in fact, a compound of proteins which are formed in the fruit when it suffers from an attack by pests. These fruits were used by local people as a flavor and flavor enhancer and less as a sweetener.
Thaumatin extraction began in 1970 and during the next two decades, there have been many studies on its properties and qualities. It is purified by selective ultrafiltration, but small amounts of organic non-protein impurities remain in the commercial product.
As a sweetener, it is 2000 times sweeter than sugar, but its sweetness has a different taste, is not immediately perceived, and has a very long persistence.
For instance, in some citrus fruit products, this sweetener has been shown to be useful in masking the bitter elements of natural flavors from the fruit. Therefore, it is used in numerous products such as yogurts, juices, and other desserts.
Bacteria in the mouth cannot break it down, so it doesn’t affect teeth. It is very stable at high temperatures (hence, is suitable for processed foods and for cooking) and acidity and has no calories.
It is used in amounts of 50 mg/kg in confectionery containing cocoa or fruit without added sugar, and in amounts of 400 mg/kg in dietary supplements based on vitamins or minerals.
In addition, it is also used in small quantities as a flavor enhancer in water-based flavored drinks and various desserts. To adjust the taste, it is combined with other sweeteners.
The sweetener is used in amounts of 50 mg/kg in confectionery containing cocoa or fruit without added sugar and in amounts of 400 mg/kg in dietary supplements based on vitamins or minerals.
It is also used in small quantities as a flavor enhancer in water-based flavored drinks and various desserts. To adjust the taste, it is combined with other sweeteners.
Thaumatin is a protein, so it has 4 calories per gram. Since it has such high potency relative to sugar, the amount used is so extremely small, it does not provide measurable calories when used in food.
Like stevia, thaumatin has been used for centuries and shows no signs of danger to human health. Thaumatin is digested like any other protein, so there is no concern about toxicity.
Thaumatin is listed as being 2000-3000 times sweeter than sucrose (sugar) and does not contribute any calories to the diet.
Post time: Jul-01-2020