What is E952?
E952 is Cyclamate — a sweetener banned in the United States since 1970 but permitted in the UK and EU at limited levels.
What is E952 (Cyclamate)?
E952 is the E-number for cyclamate, one of the artificial & intense sweeteners group of food additives (E900–E999). Additives in this group sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar. A synthetic intense sweetener. Cyclamate was banned in the US in 1970 after rat studies (later heavily disputed), yet remains approved in over 50 countries including the UK and EU — one of the clearest examples of regulators reaching opposite conclusions from the same data. The 'E' in E952 stands for Europe — the number was granted under the EU additive authorisation system — but as the safety section below explains, regulators no longer agree that E952 belongs in food everywhere: it is banned or heavily restricted in at least one major market. We break down exactly where it stands, plus the vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E952, in detail below.
Where is E952 found?
E952 is typically used in diet soft drinks, sugar-free gum, desserts, yoghurts and low-calorie foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E952) or by its full name, cyclamate. Common foods that may contain E952 include:
- Squash and dilutable drinks
- Tabletop sweeteners
- Sugar-free products (EU/UK)
Full guide: foods containing E952 and how to spot it on labels →
E952 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Cyclamate safe?
Is E952 safe?
E952 is banned or restricted in one or more major markets. Different regulators have reviewed the evidence and reached different conclusions, so its status depends on where you live — always check the position in your own country. Cyclamate was banned in the US in 1970 after rat studies (later heavily disputed), yet remains approved in over 50 countries including the UK and EU — one of the clearest examples of regulators reaching opposite conclusions from the same data.
EFSA status: Banned or restricted in one or more major markets
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E952 vegan?
E952 is vegan. A synthetic intense sweetener, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E952 →Is E952 halal?
E952 is halal. A synthetic intense sweetener, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E952 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E952 in food?
E952 is Cyclamate — a sweetener banned in the United States since 1970 but permitted in the UK and EU at limited levels.
Is E952 safe to eat?
E952 is banned or restricted in one or more major markets, so its acceptability depends on your country's regulator — see the safety section above.
Is E952 vegan?
E952 is vegan. A synthetic intense sweetener, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E952 halal?
E952 is halal. A synthetic intense sweetener, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Concerned about food additives?
Food Intolerance Test
Find out exactly which ingredients affect you with a home food intolerance test.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).