Thaumatin is a natural sweetener and flavor modifier that is extracted from the katemfe fruit, which is native to West Africa. It is a low-calorie sweetener that is approximately 2000 times sweeter than sugar.
Thaumatin is used in protein powders and other food products as a sweetener because it can enhance the taste of the product without adding extra calories or carbohydrates. It also has a synergistic effect with other sweeteners, allowing manufacturers to use less of other sweeteners while still maintaining the desired level of sweetness.
Additionally, thaumatin is often used as a flavor enhancer in protein powders and other foods because it can mask unpleasant tastes or aftertastes associated with some ingredients. This can be particularly useful for protein powders, which can have a bitter or chalky taste that some people find unpleasant.
Thaumatin is generally considered safe for consumption, and it has been approved as a food additive by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and the European Union.