Saccharin
What is Saccharin?
Saccharin is an artificial sweetener, about 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar. It was discovered in 1879 and is synthesized from chemicals like toluene or phthalic anhydride.
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 gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Saccharin a major allergen?
Saccharin is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens.
What is Saccharin used for?
Manufacturers use saccharin to provide sweetness without adding calories.
Is Saccharin safe?
Saccharin is approved by the FDA for use in foods.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use saccharin to provide sweetness without adding calories. It is often found in diet beverages, tabletop sweeteners, and sugar-free products like jams, candies, and baked goods.
Health notes
Saccharin is approved by the FDA for use in foods. It has been evaluated by JECFA and EFSA. Early studies in rats linked high doses to bladder cancer, leading to warning labels in the US. However, subsequent research in humans and other animals did not show a similar link, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified saccharin as not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. The US National Toxicology Program removed it from its list of potential carcinogens.
Allergen info
Saccharin is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Saccharin
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