What is Cyclamate (E952)?
Cyclamate is an artificial sweetener discovered in 1937 that is 30 to 50 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose). It is commonly used as a sugar substitute in diet products and for diabetes management because it provides sweetness without any calories. Cyclamates are known for their heat stability and long shelf life, making them versatile for use in both cooking and processed foods. To improve flavor and minimize the aftertaste often associated with single sweeteners, cyclamate is frequently blended with other low-calorie sweeteners, such as saccharin or acesulfame-K.
Foods and Products that May Contain Cyclamate
Because cyclamate is not approved for use in all countries, the list of products containing it depends heavily on the consumer's location. Where it is permitted, cyclamate (E952) can be found in a wide variety of sugar-free and diet items.
Common Food Categories with Cyclamate
- Diet and Zero-Sugar Beverages: This includes soft drinks, instant powdered beverages, shakes, and sports drinks. Coca-Cola Zero sold in the European Union, for example, contains cyclamate, while the US version does not.
- Table-top Sweeteners: Cyclamate is sold directly to consumers as a sweetener in tablet, powder, or liquid form. Brand names like Sugar Twin and Sweet'n Low in Canada use cyclamate.
- Baked Goods and Desserts: This category includes a range of products such as cakes, cookies, pies, puddings, flans, and gelatins.
- Confectionery: Products like chewing gum, hard and soft candies, and chocolate can be formulated with cyclamate for a sugar-free alternative.
- Dairy Products: Fermented dairy products like yogurt, as well as ice cream and ice milk, may be sweetened with cyclamates.
- Jams, Jellies, and Fruit Spreads: To reduce sugar content, cyclamate is often used in fruit preserves, jams, and marmalades.
- Canned Fruits: Preserving fruit with a cyclamate-sweetened syrup is another application.
- Condiments and Sauces: Items like salad dressings can also contain this sweetener.
Other Products with Cyclamate
Beyond food, cyclamate's sweetening properties and stability make it useful in other consumer products, such as pharmaceutical formulations and certain personal care items.
- Pharmaceuticals: Cyclamate can be used to mask the bitter taste of some medications and is found in syrups, capsules, and supplements.
- Toothpaste and Mouthwash: To make oral hygiene products more palatable, cyclamate is sometimes added as a sweetener.
Global Regulation of Cyclamate: A Comparative Overview
Cyclamate's regulatory status varies significantly by country, a point of contention for many consumers and health advocates. Historically, debates around its safety, particularly concerns about a potential link to cancer in some animal studies, led to its banning in certain regions. Later re-evaluations have caused many nations to re-approve it, with acceptable daily intake (ADI) limits set to ensure consumer safety.
| Feature | Banned Countries (e.g., USA, South Korea) | Countries Permitting Use (e.g., EU, Canada) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Prohibited for use as a food additive. | Approved for use in food, beverages, and other products. |
| Key Regulatory Bodies | U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). | European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Health Canada. |
| Basis for Regulation | Based on controversial 1969 animal studies suggesting a potential carcinogenic link. | Based on re-evaluation and extensive scientific evidence concluding it is safe within set ADI limits. |
| Product Examples | Food manufacturers must use alternative sweeteners for diet versions of products like Coca-Cola Zero. | Diet products, baked goods, and table-top sweeteners are widely available. |
How to Identify Cyclamate on Product Labels
For consumers living in countries where cyclamate is permitted, identifying its presence in a product is important for those who wish to avoid it. Check the ingredients list for the following terms:
- Cyclamate
- Sodium Cyclamate
- Calcium Cyclamate
- E952 (This is the official European food additive code for cyclamates).
Ingredients are typically listed by weight, so the order can give an indication of the concentration. It is also important to remember that cyclamate is often blended with other sweeteners, so a label may list multiple sugar substitutes.
The Cyclamate Controversy and Current Standing
Despite being re-approved by many international regulatory bodies, the initial ban in the US continues to influence public perception of cyclamate. The scientific debate has largely centered on the dosage levels used in animal studies and the relevance of those findings to humans. The World Health Organization's Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has reviewed the science multiple times and continues to find cyclamate safe for human consumption within established limits. However, the continued ban in the US, based on regulations like the Delaney Clause, means cyclamate-containing products are unavailable to American consumers.
Ultimately, understanding what foods contain cyclamate requires paying attention to the food regulations of your country. While this sweetener is a common sight in many low-calorie and diet products in Europe, Canada, and other parts of the world, it is completely absent from the US market.
Conclusion
Cyclamate is a long-standing artificial sweetener, widely used in a diverse range of products from soft drinks and baked goods to tabletop sweeteners and pharmaceuticals across more than 100 countries. However, its presence is dictated by regional food safety regulations. Consumers in regions like the European Union and Canada will find it in various low-calorie products, identified by its name or the code E952, while those in the United States, South Korea, and Bangladesh will not encounter it in their food supply due to long-standing bans. For those managing sugar intake or simply health-conscious, checking product labels based on your location is essential for informed choices.
