E952: Cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts

What is E952?

E952 covers cyclamic acid and its sodium and calcium salts, known as cyclamates. They are synthetic, calorie-free sweeteners roughly 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar, with a clean taste that works well in combination with other sweeteners.

Origin and production

Cyclamate was discovered in 1937 and is produced by chemical synthesis, typically by sulphonating cyclohexylamine. It is not derived from plants or animals.

Why is it used?

Cyclamates are mostly used in blends, especially with saccharin, because each masks the other's aftertaste. They are common in diet soft drinks and colas, other artificially sweetened beverages, tabletop sweeteners and some dietary supplements.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

E952 is synthetic and contains no animal-derived material, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It raises no particular halal or kosher concerns.

Safety and regulation

Cyclamates are authorised as sweeteners in the European Union within maximum permitted levels, which were reduced in 2009 following a re-assessment of intake. Cyclamate is not permitted as a food additive in the United States, though it is allowed in many other countries.

Common in