E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener)

Direct Answer

E955 (Sucralose) is a chlorinated disaccharide synthesized by selective chlorination of sucrose (replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms). INS 955, ADI is 15 mg/kg bw/day, providing 600x sugar sweetness with zero calories and full heat stability for baking.

Source: US FDA / EFSA / JECFA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E955
INS / Codex Number	INS 955
Functional Class	Non-Nutritive High-Intensity Sweetener
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	15 mg / kg body weight per day (US FDA: 5 mg/kg)
Relative Sweetness Index	600x Sucrose
Caloric Value	0.0 kcal / g (Not recognized by digestive enzymes; 85% excreted unabsorbed) kcal/g
Thermal Stability	Thermally stable up to 200°C (392°F) (Fully bake-stable)
Common Target Foods	Protein powders, baked keto goods, sugar-free syrups, beverages, Splenda packets
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Diabetic Safe, Dental Safe (Non-cariogenic)
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.831)

Why Chlorination Yields Zero Calories

Replacing three -OH groups with chlorine atoms changes sucrose's spatial conformation into 1,6-dichloro-1,6-dideoxy-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-4-chloro-4-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranoside. Human sucrase and glycosidase enzymes cannot cleave the modified molecule, passing it through the GI tract without caloric absorption.