Saccharin
Artificial sweetener with a debated history.
- Category
- Sweeteners
- Acceptable daily intake
- 9 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Saccharin (E954) is the granddaddy of artificial sweeteners, discovered by accident in 1879. It is 300 to 400 times sweeter than sugar but leaves a notorious metallic or bitter aftertaste.
How it is used in food
Sweetener.
Commonly found in- Tabletop sweeteners (Sweet'N Low)
- Diet sodas
- Sugar-free jams and baked goods
- Toothpaste and mouthwash
Health and safety
Carried a US cancer warning for 20 years until the rat-bladder mechanism was shown not to apply to humans.
Saccharin has survived decades of controversy. In the 1970s, studies linked it to bladder cancer in rats. For over 20 years, every product containing saccharin in the US had to carry a warning label stating it "may be hazardous to your health".
Metabolic concerns
Like other artificial sweeteners, long-term use is not recommended by the WHO for weight control due to potential risks of type 2 diabetes.
Delisted from carcinogens in 2000, but its long shadow remains.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Approved. The mandated cancer warning label was repealed by Congress in 2000. |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E954
Also printed asSodium saccharin
Alternatives to this additive
- E955: Sucralose — Provides a much cleaner, sugar-like taste without the bitter, metallic aftertaste of saccharin.
How it is made
Historically synthesized from coal tar derivatives, it is now produced via the reaction of phthalic anhydride or toluene with various chemicals.
- Synthesis — Synthesized from toluene or phthalic anhydride via multi-step chemical reactions.
Worth knowing
The oldest artificial sweetener (1879, discovered by a chemist who didn’t wash his hands before dinner).
Conclusion
In 2000, the warning labels were removed. Scientists discovered that the mechanism causing bladder cancer in rats was highly specific to rodent biology and did not apply to humans. The IARC formally downgraded it from a "possible human carcinogen" to "not classifiable". However, the WHO still advises against using it for long-term weight control.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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