What is E959?
E959 is Neohesperidine DC — derived from bitter orange peel, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
What is E959 (Neohesperidine DC)?
E959 is the E-number for neohesperidine dc, 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. Derived from bitter orange peel. Like every E-number, E959 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E959 in detail below.
Where is E959 found?
E959 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 (E959) or by its full name, neohesperidine dc. Common foods that may contain E959 include:
- Diet soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum
- Desserts
- Yoghurts and low-calorie foods
Full guide: foods containing E959 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E959 safe?
E959 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E959.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E959 vegan?
E959 is vegan. Derived from bitter orange peel, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E959 →Is E959 halal?
E959 is halal. Derived from bitter orange peel, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E959 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E959 in food?
E959 is Neohesperidine DC — derived from bitter orange peel, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
Is E959 safe to eat?
Yes. E959 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E959 vegan?
E959 is vegan. Derived from bitter orange peel, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E959 halal?
E959 is halal. Derived from bitter orange peel, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).