Thaumatin Powder

Thaumatin powder is a naturally sweet protein extracted from the seed coat of arrowroot plants. Thaumatin includes thaumatin I, II, III and thaumatin B and C.
Thaumatin is a white to cream-colored powder that is easily soluble in water and has a strong sweetness. The sweetness is about 1,600 times that of sucrose. It has no peculiar smell and the sweetness lasts for a long time.
Used together with sugars, sugar alcohols and other sweeteners, it has a synergistic effect and improves flavor. It can improve the flavor of food and mask bitterness and astringency.

Thaumatin is used in the cosmetic industry, such as in toothpastes and mouthwashes, to prolong their flavor and cooling sensation.
Add it to chewing gum to make the sweetness and flavor last longer when chewed, and in sugar-free gum to promote the sweetness of the filler.
Adding it to coffee extract not only adds flavor to the coffee, but also neutralizes bitterness and acidity.

In 1994, Europe approved its use as a sweetener and flavor enhancer.
In 1979, thaumatin was first approved as a natural food additive in Japan.
In 1981, the UK approved thaumatin for use in medicines and in 1986 as a sweetener in food.
China officially approved the use of thaumatin as an additive in food in 2014, stipulating that its maximum usage amount in processed nuts, table sweeteners, beverages, frozen drinks and baked goods is 0.025g/kg.

Reference

[1].van der Wel H, Loeve K (1972) Isolation and characterization of thaumatin I and II, the sweet-tasting proteins from Thaumatococcus daniellii Benth. Eur J Biochem 31:221–225

[2].Faus I (2000) Recent developments in the characterization and biotechnological production of sweet-tasting proteins. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 53:145–151