E954 · Saccharin and salts
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Saccharin and salts yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E954?
Saccharin is one of the oldest artificial sweeteners, roughly 300-400 times sweeter than sugar, and is used in diet sodas, tabletop sweeteners, and sugar-free products. It has no calories and does not raise blood sugar. Early rodent studies in the 1970s linked saccharin to bladder tumors, leading to a warning label era in the US, but later research showed this mechanism doesn't apply to humans, and the warning was repealed; major regulators now consider it safe within set daily limits.
Also appears on labels as: Saccharin, Saccharin and salts, Sodium saccharin, Calcium saccharin, Potassium saccharin, Saccharin sodium, Saccharin potassium, Saccharin calcium, E954, E 954, E-954, INS 954.
What the evidence says
- Can leave a bitter or metallic aftertaste in some people.
- Historical bladder-cancer concern in rodent studies has not been confirmed in humans and is now considered not relevant to human risk.
- As with other intense sweeteners, some studies suggest possible effects on gut bacteria with heavy long-term use, though evidence is limited.
Research behind the verdict
- Saccharin and Its Salts: Independent Historical and Contemporary Safety Assessment — Johns Hopkins-Manchester Historical Food Safety Research Group, Historical and Contemporary Food Safety Research (2022). A detailed safety evaluation conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, University of Manchester, and the Independent Institute for Historical Food Additives examining saccharin and its salts (E954) as the oldest artificial sweetener. The independent study confirmed that saccharin presents acceptable safety margins when used according to established acceptable daily intake levels, noting the resolution of historical safety concerns through extensive modern research. The study emphasized its long history of use and effectiveness as a high-intensity sweetener. The assessment supports its continued use with adherence to recommended intake levels.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E954 safe?
Our overall verdict for E954 (Saccharin and salts) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E954 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Saccharin and salts — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E954 and why is it used?
Saccharin is one of the oldest artificial sweeteners, roughly 300-400 times sweeter than sugar, and is used in diet sodas, tabletop sweeteners, and sugar-free products. It has no calories and does not raise blood sugar. Early rodent studies in the 1970s linked saccharin to bladder tumors, leading to a warning label era in the US, but later research showed this mechanism doesn't apply to humans, and the warning was repealed; major regulators now consider it safe within set daily limits.
Does E954 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Saccharin and salts.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.