Saccharin
What is Saccharin?
Saccharin is a high-intensity artificial sweetener. It is synthesised from chemicals such as toluene or phthalic anhydride, and is around 300–400 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). It was the first artificial sweetener to be discovered, in 1879.
Is Saccharin vegan?
Saccharin is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Saccharin a major allergen?
Saccharin is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Saccharin used for?
Saccharin is used to provide sweetness in foods and drinks with little or no energy content.
Is Saccharin safe?
Saccharin is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Saccharin is used to provide sweetness in foods and drinks with little or no energy content. It is often found in diet soft drinks, sugar-free confectionery, and tabletop sweeteners. Its stability under heat makes it suitable for use in baked goods.
Health notes
Saccharin is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated saccharin and set an acceptable daily intake (ADI). Early studies in rats suggested a link between saccharin consumption and bladder cancer, but subsequent research and reviews by regulatory bodies have concluded that saccharin is not carcinogenic to humans at typical consumption levels. Evidence is mixed regarding potential impacts on the gut microbiome.
Allergen info
Saccharin is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Saccharin
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