sweetener INS 959

Neohesperidin DC E959

semi-synthetic — Primarily natural/synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone

CAS: 20702-77-6

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Neohesperidin DC is also used in medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~240 glasses of NHDC-sweetened beverage (250ml) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Although classified as natural in origin, commercial Neohesperidin DC is typically manufactured rather than extracted directly from food sources.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category (5-50 mg/kg) mg/kg

Limited to specific food categories

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Approved as flavor enhancer and sweetener

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Approved with usage limits

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–5 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

5 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~240 of glasses of NHDC-sweetened beverage (250ml)

~1.25mg per serving

~150 of pieces of NHDC-sweetened gum

~2mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical modification of citrus flavonoids

Produced by hydrogenation of neohesperidin extracted from bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) or grapefruit peels. The bitter neohesperidin is converted to sweet NHDC through alkaline treatment.

Applications Beyond Food

Medical

Bitter taste masking in liquid medicines

Industrial

Flavor modifier and taste masker

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neohesperidin DC (E959)?

Neohesperidin DC (E959) is a sweetener used in food products. It is semi-synthetic and natural/synthetic. A semi-synthetic sweetener derived from naringin, a bitter compound in citrus peels. About 1,500-1,800 times sweeter than sucrose with a menthol-like cooling sensation and slight licorice aftertaste.

What is the ADI for Neohesperidin DC?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Neohesperidin DC is 0–5 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Neohesperidin DC?

Neohesperidin DC is used in various food categories including Flavored drinks, Confectionery. It is used as a sweetener in these products.

Is Neohesperidin DC the same as Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone?

Yes, Neohesperidin DC is also known as Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, NHDC, Citrus extract sweetener. These are different names for the same substance.