Thaumatin is a naturally sweet protein extracted from the katemfe fruit (Thaumatococcus daniellii) of West Africa. Several thousand times sweeter than sugar, it also enhances flavour and blends beautifully into clean-label foods. Here is your guide.
What is thaumatin?
- A naturally occurring sweet-tasting protein
- Composed of a family of closely related proteins
- Extracted from the aril of the katemfe fruit
Key benefits
1. Intense natural sweetness
- Frequently thousands of times sweeter than sucrose
- Used at very low levels
2. Flavour enhancement
- Improves and rounds out taste profiles
- Masks off-notes in certain formulations
3. Clean-label, natural origin
- Derived from a natural plant source
- Appeals to consumers seeking recognisable ingredients
Applications
Thaumatin is used in beverages, confectionery, chewing gum, dairy and dietary supplements as both a sweetener and a flavour modifier.
High-purity thaumatin enables precise, natural sweetness with broad clean-label appeal.
