Definition:

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SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin Health Benefits:

SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin is a synthetic, low-calorie, high-intensity sweetener. Its key advantages are its mature manufacturing process, exceptional stability and low cost. It is widely used in foodstuffs, health supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Classified as a sulfonylimide compound, its structure incorporates a benzene ring, a sulfonyl group (-SO2-) and an internal lactam ring. It is 300-500 times sweeter than sucrose, with optimal sweetness achieved at a 0.01% solution; concentrations exceeding 0.5% exhibit slight bitterness. It has a negligible caloric value of 0.1 kcal/g, does not affect human blood glucose metabolism and is neither absorbed nor stored in the intestines. It is non-cariogenic as oral bacteria cannot utilise it as an energy source and it does not undergo the acid-producing metabolism that erodes teeth.

■ Source

SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin does not occur naturally and is entirely synthesised through organic chemistry. All of the raw materials are chemical products and no natural extraction process is involved. The starting materials are toluene (an aromatic hydrocarbon that provides the benzene ring skeleton) and chlorosulfonic acid (a sulfonation reagent that introduces the sulfonyl chloride group). Other materials include ammonia (for the amination reaction), sodium dichromate and sulphuric acid (as oxidation agents), phosphorus pentachloride (as a dehydrating and ring-closing reagent) and sodium hydroxide (as a salt-forming reagent). Auxiliary materials include ethanol (as a crystallisation solvent) and activated carbon (as a decolourising agent).

Particularities of SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin:

Product Specifications:

SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin is available in the following specification and contents:

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☑ SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin powder (Dihydrate) 99.0%-101.0%

Product quality standards:

● GB 1886.18, Food grade, In-house

▶ Weight management

▶ Suitable for all individuals (except those sensitive to excessive intake)

SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin Applications:

SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin, with its core advantages of high stability (resistance to extreme temperatures and pH extremes), zero calories, low cost, and zero carbohydrates, finds extensive application across food, dietary supplements, and multiple cross-sector domains. It is particularly well-suited to affordable low-sugar solutions and all-scenario sugar reduction requirements.

The most fundamental application scenario for sodium saccharin is in the food industry. Thanks to its stability and cost advantages, it is used in everything from everyday snacks to culinary seasonings, and can be used with a variety of processing techniques. In beverages (which account for around 45% of applications), sodium saccharin's tolerance of acids and alkalis (it remains stable at pH 2-11) makes it suitable for a variety of products, including carbonated drinks (acidic) and plant-based protein beverages (weakly alkaline).It retains over 95% of its sweetness after high-temperature sterilisation (135°C UHT), eliminating concerns about degradation during processing.

Its low cost makes it ideal for the large-scale production of affordable beverages. In confectionery and chocolate products, it provides a fast onset of sweetness. Blending with polyols such as erythritol and maltitol improves chewability and prevents tooth stickiness. Its high-temperature stability (boiling point ≤150°C) makes it suitable for the boiling processes used in the production of hard candy. In baked goods and pastries: Its exceptional heat tolerance (it does not decompose at 180°C) eliminates the need for post-processing steps and allows for direct incorporation into batter for industrial baking lines. Its excellent compatibility with ingredients such as flour and butter preserves the fluffiness and texture of the product. The low cost reduces the price of low-sugar baked goods, making them more accessible.When used in dairy products, it does not affect the natural flavour profile and is highly compatible with probiotics, without inhibiting the activity of bifidobacteria or lactic acid bacteria. Its zero-calorie, carbohydrate-free properties make it suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance and those managing their sugar intake. When blended with emulsifiers, it improves the texture of ice cream and prevents ice crystal formation. It can be used in condiments and convenience foods and is adaptable to acidic and alkaline environments (e.g. the acidity of soy sauce and the mild alkalinity of bean paste) without compromising stability. When blended with salt and spices, it balances savoury and spicy notes, elevates flavour complexity and reduces salt usage by 10-15%. Its cost-effectiveness makes low-sugar reformulation in condiments more accessible.

SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin effectively masks the bitterness of nutritional supplements while meeting low-sugar and low-burden requirements. This makes it suitable for fitness enthusiasts, individuals with chronic conditions and those in specific physiological stages. In protein supplement products, it effectively masks the bean-like odour and bitterness of proteins, thereby enhancing the palatability of mixed beverages. As it is zero-calorie, it imposes no additional caloric burden, making it suitable for individuals aiming to lose or gain weight. Its low cost also improves the cost-effectiveness of low-sugar protein supplements. In vitamin and mineral formulations, it masks the unpleasant flavours and bitterness of certain vitamins (e.g. B vitamins) and minerals (e.g. iron, zinc and calcium), thereby improving product acceptance, particularly among children and the elderly. Its zero-sugar profile is ideal for individuals managing blood sugar levels, as it prevents supplement-induced glucose fluctuations. It demonstrates excellent compatibility and stability within acidic effervescent tablet systems. Functional supplements, such as probiotic preparations (e.g. chewable tablets and powders), dietary fibre supplements, weight-loss meal replacement bars and diabetes-specific nutritional supplements, cater for specialised needs. For example, in diabetes-specific supplements, sodium saccharin does not affect blood glucose levels. Its zero-calorie property aids calorie control in weight-loss meal replacements, and when combined with probiotics, it does not inhibit their activity. This demonstrates its superior compatibility compared to some artificial sweeteners.

Thanks to its stable, low-cost and zero-burden characteristics, sodium saccharin has found applications in the pharmaceutical, oral care and pet food sectors, catering to mainstream health requirements.

SWEETEST®Aspartame contains merely 0.4 kilocalories per gram, representing one-tenth the energy content of sucrose (4 kcal/g). Its caloric value is lower than that of xylitol (2.4 kcal/g) and maltitol (2.1 kcal/g), rendering it virtually negligible. Following consumption, only a small number of calories are absorbed in the intestines. Most of it is excreted from the body in its original form or as metabolic by-products (such as aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol), and it is not stored as fat within the body. Substituting sucrose with aspartame can significantly reduce daily calorie intake. It does not affect the secretion of satiety-related hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, making it suitable for dietary requirements during fat loss and body shaping, as well as for obese individuals. It can be used to prepare low-sugar meals, such as sugar-free yoghurt and fat-reduction cakes, balancing taste with calorie control.

The safe daily intake of SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin for adults is approximately 350 milligrams, calculated for a body weight of 60 kilograms. This is equivalent to the sweetness of 175 grams of sucrose. Exceeding the ADI by more than five times may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or diarrhoea, which typically resolves rapidly upon discontinuation. Sodium saccharin contains no phenylalanine and is therefore safe for individuals with phenylketonuria. It is free from gluten and lactose, so those with gluten or lactose intolerance do not need to avoid it. It imposes a minimal metabolic burden on the kidneys and is safely excreted by individuals with normal renal function.

▶ Promoting healthy eating habits

SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin has a well-established production process and is inexpensive (it is priced at just one-fiftieth of sucralfate and one-tenth of aspartame), which significantly reduces the manufacturing costs of sugar-free foods and pharmaceuticals. This makes sugar-free products more affordable for ordinary consumers, thereby advancing the ‘sugar reduction’ concept. It is particularly suited to meeting the sugar control needs of low-income groups and emerging markets. The cost advantage of sodium saccharin allows it to be used in a wide range of products, enabling individuals to reduce their sugar intake effortlessly without changing their dietary habits. This fosters long-term adherence to healthier eating patterns.

■ Physical and chemical properties

SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin is a colourless or pale yellow crystalline powder with an extremely sweet taste and no odour. It readily absorbs moisture from the air, but does not form lumps. At 25°C, it is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 100 g/100 mL, increasing to 180 g/100 mL at 100°C. It dissolves readily in ethanol (1 g/5 mL), is slightly soluble in glycerol and is insoluble in non-polar solvents such as diethyl ether, benzene and chloroform. It has no distinct melting point and begins to decompose at 220°C, fully decomposing at 265°C. The decomposition products include o-phthalimide and sodium carbonate, with no toxic gas emissions. It exhibits no optical activity due to the absence of chiral carbon atoms in its molecular structure, and its aqueous solution is neutral to weakly alkaline (pH 7.5-8.5). It is exceptionally stable, ranking among the most heat-, acid- and alkali-resistant sweeteners. It withstands temperatures below 220°C and remains stable during baking (180°C), boiling (100°C) and ultra-high temperature sterilisation (135°C), retaining >95% of its sweetness.Sodium saccharin remains stable within a pH range of 2 to 11, undergoing only slight hydrolysis under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions. The resulting hydrolysis product is o-benzenesulfonamide, which retains sweetness. No adverse reactions occur when it is blended with sugars such as sucrose, glucose and maltitol, or with food additives including citric acid, flavourings and preservatives. Blending with sucrose masks saccharin's slight bitterness, producing a synergistic sweetening effect and reducing total sweetener usage by 20-30%.

Saccharin (o-phthalimidesulfonamide) is an acidic compound (pKa≈1.6). Neutralisation with sodium hydroxide forms its sodium salt (sodium saccharinate), which significantly enhances water solubility (the native compound dissolves at a rate of 1 g per 300 mL, whereas the salt is 300 times more soluble). It does not react with Fehling's or Tollens' reagents and does not undergo Maillard reactions, meaning it will not discolour upon interaction with proteins or amino acids during baking. Following ingestion, saccharin remains undigested and unabsorbed within the gastrointestinal tract. It enters the bloodstream almost entirely in its original form, before being filtered and excreted via the kidneys. Within 24 hours of oral administration, approximately 90% is excreted in urine and 5% in faeces, with no accumulation in the body. It is safely metabolised by individuals with normal renal function.

■ Production technology characteristics

The production process of SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin using phthalic anhydride as the raw material is relatively common and widely used. It is an environmentally friendly alternative, the main advantage of which is the absence of toxic by-products such as chromium salts. The process uses phthalic anhydride, ammonia and sodium bisulphite as raw materials, which undergo seven sequential reactions: amination, sulphonation, alkaline hydrolysis, diazotisation, denitration, ring-closure and purification. The final product is sodium saccharin. The entire reaction proceeds under mild conditions, offering superior environmental performance compared to the traditional toluene-based method.

☑ SWEETEST®Sodium saccharin powder (Anhydrous) 99.0%-101.0%