E952Sweetener

Cyclamic acid

Learn what Cyclamic acid (E952) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.

Moderate concern

What is Cyclamic acid?

Sodium cyclamate (E952) is a synthetic food sweetener with high sweetening power. It is approximately 30-50 times sweeter than sugar when equal quantities of both substances are compared.

Why is Cyclamic acid added to food?

Cyclamic acid (E952) is a sweetener commonly found in: Bakery products and dietetic foods, jams, chewing gum.

Is Cyclamic acid safe?

Moderate concern

Prolonged use of cyclamates may cause gastrointestinal disorders. Exceeding the daily acceptable intake can sometimes cause photosensitivity. In general, ingested cyclamate is excreted from the body within 1-2 days, but some individuals metabolize a significant portion of the ingested cyclamate (60%). Among the metabolites is cyclohexylamine.

Is Cyclamic acid banned anywhere?

⚠ Restricted in some countries (not banned in the EU)

Common foods that contain Cyclamic acid

  • Bakery products and dietetic foods
  • jams
  • chewing gum

See the full list of foods that contain Cyclamic acid

How to spot Cyclamic acid on labels

Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:

  • E952
  • Cyclamic acid

Common misspellings to watch for:

  • cycldmic acid
  • cyclamic acid
  • cyclamic acld
  • cyelamic acid
  • cyclamic aeid
  • cyclamie acid
  • cyclamlc acid
  • cyclamic dcid
  • eyclamic acid

Better alternatives

• It is potentially carcinogenic. • It is currently banned in the United Kingdom and the USA but allowed in Romania and other EU countries.

Explore homemade alternatives to processed snacks →

Also known as

  • cycldmic acid
  • cyclamic acid
  • cyclamic acld
  • cyelamic acid
  • cyclamic aeid
  • cyclamie acid
  • cyclamlc acid
  • cyclamic dcid
  • eyclamic acid

Scan products with BioBrief

Not sure if a product contains Cyclamic acid? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E952 — with a plain-language explanation.

Frequently asked questions about Cyclamic acid

Is Cyclamic acid safe to eat?
Prolonged use of cyclamates may cause gastrointestinal disorders. Exceeding the daily acceptable intake can sometimes cause photosensitivity. In general, ingested cyclamate is excreted from the body within 1-2 days, but some individuals metabolize a significant portion of the ingested cyclamate (60%). Among the metabolites is cyclohexylamine.
Is Cyclamic acid banned anywhere?
Cyclamic acid is not banned in the EU but is restricted in some countries.
How do I spot Cyclamic acid on a food label?
Look for E952, Cyclamic acid in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: cycldmic acid, cyclamic acid, cyclamic acld.

Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.