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Sodium Cyclamate NF13 is a high-intensity sweetener used to reduce sugar in selected food, beverage, and pharmaceutical formulations. Its sweetness is often described as clean, stable, and less bitter than some alternatives. Yet “NF13” should not be treated as a universal global standard. It may describe a supplier grade, monograph reference, or internal specification. Buyers should verify identity, purity, residual solvents, heavy metals, microbiological limits, and batch consistency through a current Certificate of Analysis.

The World Health Organization’s Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives established an acceptable daily intake of 0–11 mg per kilogram of body weight for cyclamates, expressed as cyclamic acid. The Codex General Standard for Food Additives also lists permitted uses and maximum levels by food category. Meanwhile, the United States Food and Drug Administration does not permit cyclamate as a food additive in the United States. Different markets therefore require separate compliance checks. That detail matters.

Dr. John C. Coughlin, a food-additive toxicology researcher, stated, “Safety depends on exposure, dose, and the quality of the evidence.” This principle remains practical for Sodium Cyclamate NF13. A beverage plant may dose it in milligrams, while a tablet manufacturer may combine it with saccharin or other sweeteners. Small formulation changes can alter total intake. The evidence is not perfectly uniform. Responsible sourcing requires current regulatory review, traceable testing, and careful use-level calculations rather than relying on a product label alone.

What Is Sodium Cyclamate NF13 and How Is It Used?
Table of Contents [Hide]
1 What Is Sodium Cyclamate NF13? CAS 139-05-9 and Chemical Identity
2 How Does Its 30–50× Sweetness Compare With Sucrose?
3 What Does the JECFA ADI of 0–11 mg/kg Body Weight Mean?
4 How Is Sodium Cyclamate NF13 Manufactured and Quality-Controlled?
5 Where Is It Used in Food, Beverage, and Pharmaceutical Formulas?
6 How Should NF13 Be Combined With Other High-Intensity Sweeteners?

What Is Sodium Cyclamate NF13? CAS 139-05-9 and Chemical Identity

Sodium cyclamate NF13 refers to a specified grade of sodium cyclamate, not a different chemical substance. Its CAS number is 139-05-9. The chemical name is sodium cyclohexylsulfamate. Its molecular formula is C6H12NNaO3S, with a molecular weight of about 201.22 g/mol. It commonly appears as a white, crystalline powder. The material dissolves readily in water and provides intense sweetness at low concentrations.

The term NF13 should be checked against the supplier’s specification sheet. In some documents, it may describe a quality standard, internal grade, or pharmacopoeial reference. The label alone is not enough. A reliable assessment should review identity testing, assay, moisture, impurities, and microbiological limits where applicable. In practical formulation work, sodium cyclamate may be blended with other sweeteners to create a smoother taste profile. It is used in selected food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications, depending on local regulations and the intended product category. Taste can vary with acidity and concentration. That detail is easy to overlook. I would also avoid assuming that one certificate proves every batch is identical; current testing records still matter. Availability and permitted use differ between jurisdictions, so technical teams should verify the latest official requirements before development or production.

How Does Its 30–50× Sweetness Compare With Sucrose?

What Is Sodium Cyclamate NF13 and How Is It Used?

Sodium cyclamate NF13 is a high-intensity sweetener used to add sweetness with very little material. Its commonly cited sweetness is about 30–50 times higher than sucrose by weight. In practical terms, one gram may provide sweetness similar to roughly 30–50 grams of sugar. However, this comparison is not fixed. Temperature, acidity, concentration, and the surrounding ingredients can change perceived sweetness.

Its taste is generally clean, though some people notice a mild aftertaste at higher levels. Food formulators may use it in powdered drinks, tabletop sweeteners, desserts, and other reduced-sugar products. It can also work alongside other sweeteners, helping create a fuller sugar-like profile. NF13 describes a specified quality or grade, not a guaranteed sweetness level. Always check the current certificate of analysis, identity, assay, and impurity limits before use.

Tips: Start with a very small test batch. Compare sweetness against a measured sucrose solution, not a spoonful of sugar. Record the temperature and acidity. Results may vary. Confirm permitted use and maximum levels in the target market, because food regulations differ by location. A careful sensory panel is useful, but personal taste should not replace laboratory checks.

What Does the JECFA ADI of 0–11 mg/kg Body Weight Mean?

Sodium Cyclamate NF13 is a high-intensity sweetener used to provide sweetness with minimal calories. “NF13” may describe a specification or commercial grade, so buyers should verify the certificate of analysis, purity, and intended food use. It is often blended with other sweeteners because its taste profile can improve when combined. Small amounts matter.

The JECFA ADI of 0–11 mg/kg body weight means an acceptable daily intake range, expressed as cyclamic acid. For a 60 kg adult, the upper value equals 660 mg of cyclamic acid per day.

This is not a recommended target or a sudden toxicity limit. It is a conservative lifetime exposure estimate based on toxicological evidence reviewed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA, WHO Food Additives Series 17).

Sodium cyclamate and cyclamic acid have different molecular weights, so accurate calculations require chemical conversion. Formulators should also consider all dietary sources, serving size, and body weight.

Codex General Standard for Food Additives data supports checking food-category limits before use. The boundary is easy to misunderstand.

Consumer intake surveys may also be incomplete, especially when sweeteners appear in imported products or mixed formulations. A careful assessment uses laboratory data, production records, and realistic consumption patterns, not one label alone.

How Is Sodium Cyclamate NF13 Manufactured and Quality-Controlled?

Sodium cyclamate NF13 is manufactured through a controlled chemical conversion of cyclohexylamine into the cyclamate salt. Depending on the process, sulfamic acid or a related sulfating reagent may be used. Operators monitor temperature, pH, and reaction completion. The solution is clarified, concentrated, and crystallized. Centrifugation and drying remove mother liquor and moisture. Clean equipment matters. Residual salts can affect taste, purity, and test results.

Quality control starts with approved raw materials and traceable batch records. Identity may be verified through infrared spectroscopy or another validated method. Assay testing confirms sodium cyclamate content. Common checks include water, pH, related substances, sulfates, heavy metals, and microbial quality when applicable. Appearance and solubility may also support formulation decisions. Each result should meet the applicable NF13 specification and current regulatory requirements. A clear crystal is not proof of purity. Sampling location and analyst technique can change the picture.

Tips: Review the certificate of analysis, batch number, test methods, and retest date. Store the material in a sealed container, away from heat and moisture. Ask for clarification when a report lists only “passed” results. Good records are useful, but they are not a substitute for independent verification.

What Is Sodium Cyclamate NF13 and How Is It Used? - How Is Sodium Cyclamate NF13 Manufactured and Quality-Controlled?

Data Dimension Key Information Manufacturing or Quality-Control Relevance
Substance identity Sodium cyclamate is the sodium salt of cyclamic acid, also known as sodium cyclohexylsulfamate. Identity is confirmed before release to ensure that the material is not confused with cyclamic acid or other sulfamate salts.
Chemical formula C6H12NNaO3S The formula is used for stoichiometric calculations, analytical reference standards, and documentation of material identity.
Relative molecular mass Approximately 201.22 g/mol. The molecular mass supports assay calculations and preparation of laboratory solutions.
CAS Registry Number 139-05-9. The CAS number provides a standardized reference for purchasing, testing, safety documentation, and regulatory records.
Physical appearance White to almost white crystalline powder or crystals, normally free from visible foreign matter. Visual inspection is performed during sampling and final release. Abnormal color, caking, or foreign particles may indicate contamination or poor storage.
Taste and function Intensely sweet, high-intensity sweetener used at low concentrations. It provides sweetness with little or no energy contribution at normal use levels. Sensory evaluation may be used as a supplementary check, while quantitative analytical testing remains the principal release control.
Water solubility Readily soluble in water compared with many other sweetening agents. Good water solubility supports use in beverages, syrups, table-top sweetener blends, and liquid food formulations.
Manufacturing principle A common industrial route involves sulfonation of cyclohexylamine with a sulfamating reagent, followed by formation of the sodium salt, purification, concentration, crystallization, drying, and sizing. Reaction temperature, reagent ratios, mixing, residence time, and pH are controlled to limit unreacted starting materials and unwanted sulfamate-related impurities.
Reaction and neutralization control The intermediate cyclohexylsulfamic acid is converted into its sodium salt using a sodium source under controlled process conditions. In-process checks commonly include pH, temperature, reaction completion, sodium balance, and appearance of the process liquor.
Purification and crystallization The reaction mixture is clarified and concentrated as needed; controlled cooling or solvent conditions promote crystallization of sodium cyclamate. Filtration, washing, and crystallization conditions help reduce residual reactants, inorganic salts, color bodies, and soluble process impurities.
Drying and particle control Purified crystals are dried under controlled temperature and airflow, then milled or sieved when a defined particle-size distribution is required. Drying reduces residual moisture and improves storage stability. Sieving supports uniform blending and consistent dissolution.
Identity testing Identity may be verified using an appropriate combination of infrared spectroscopy, ion-specific reactions, chromatographic comparison, and sodium identification. Identity testing is typically performed on each batch or according to an approved sampling plan before release.
Assay or purity Food and compendial specifications commonly target approximately 98% to 101% sodium cyclamate on the applicable stated basis; the controlling NF13 or legal specification must be consulted for the exact limit. Assay can be determined by validated titrimetric, chromatographic, or other compendial procedures with suitable system suitability and reference materials.
Loss on drying or moisture A low moisture level is generally required; many commercial specifications use a limit around 1.0% loss on drying, subject to the applicable monograph. Testing helps verify drying performance and reduces the risk of caking, hydrolytic instability, or inaccurate formulation calculations.
pH of aqueous solution A mildly acidic to near-neutral aqueous solution is typical; a commonly used control range is approximately pH 5.5–7.5, depending on the specification and test concentration. An abnormal pH may indicate incomplete neutralization, residual acidic or alkaline materials, or contamination.
Related substances and residual materials Potential controls include residual cyclohexylamine, unreacted sulfamate-related materials, inorganic salts, and other process-related impurities. Validated chromatographic or chemical methods are used where required by the applicable compendial, food, or national regulatory specification.
Microbiological quality Because the product is a dry inorganic-organic salt with low available water, microbial growth is generally limited; nevertheless, food-grade requirements may include microbial limits. Sampling hygiene, clean equipment, environmental controls, and periodic microbial testing help prevent contamination during processing and packaging.
Typical applications Used in selected beverages, dairy-type products, desserts, confectionery, preserves, sauces, pharmaceutical preparations, and table-top sweetener systems where legally permitted. Permitted food categories and maximum use levels vary by jurisdiction. Formulators must verify current local regulations before use.
Blending with other sweeteners Sodium cyclamate is often combined with other sweeteners to balance sweetness intensity, aftertaste, stability, and cost. Blend uniformity, ingredient compatibility, and the combined regulatory limits must be assessed for every formulation.
Acceptable daily intake The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives has established an ADI for cyclamates of 0–7 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed as cyclamic acid. Exposure calculations should account for all dietary sources and follow the current requirements of the intended market.
Packaging and storage Store in tightly closed, food-compatible packaging in a cool, dry, clean area protected from moisture, odors, and contamination. Lot identification, traceability, controlled warehouse conditions, and protection from humidity help preserve assay, flowability, and appearance throughout shelf life.
Regulatory note: “NF13” should be interpreted against the specific edition and applicable monograph or customer specification. Acceptance limits, permitted uses, analytical procedures, and labeling requirements may differ by country and may be revised over time.

Where Is It Used in Food, Beverage, and Pharmaceutical Formulas?

Sodium cyclamate NF13 is a high-intensity sweetener used to improve taste without adding much sugar. The “NF13” label may indicate a compendial or supplier specification, so formulators should verify the current certificate and applicable standard. It provides a clean sweetness and often supports blends with other sweeteners. Its stability can help in powders, syrups, and flavored liquids, although pH, heat, and storage conditions still require testing.

In food formulas, sodium cyclamate may appear in selected tabletop products, desserts, preserves, and reduced-sugar preparations where local regulations permit it. Regulations differ widely. A sweetener accepted in one market may be restricted in another. Beverage developers may use it in flavored drinks, concentrates, and powdered mixes. It can soften bitter notes, especially in products containing botanical extracts or minerals. Taste trials matter. Sweetness on paper is not the same as consumer acceptance.

Pharmaceutical formulators may add it to oral solutions, suspensions, chewable tablets, and powders to improve patient compliance. It can make a medicinal taste less harsh, particularly for pediatric or geriatric products. However, it does not replace stability studies, microbial controls, or excipient compatibility testing. Dosage limits and permitted uses must be checked in every target market. One practical weakness is its lingering taste in some formulas. A small pilot batch often reveals problems that laboratory calculations miss.

How Should NF13 Be Combined With Other High-Intensity Sweeteners?

Sodium cyclamate NF13 is a high-intensity sweetener used to provide strong sweetness with relatively low cost. The term NF13 should be checked against the supplier’s specification. It may describe a quality grade, not a universal formulation ratio. Purity, identity, moisture, and storage conditions matter during evaluation.

NF13 is often combined with other high-intensity sweeteners to improve sweetness quality. A partner sweetener can soften cyclamate’s aftertaste or add a faster sweetness onset. Saccharin, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, or steviol glycosides may behave differently in each product. Start with less. Then compare several small ratios in the actual beverage, tablet, or food base.

Taste the samples at serving temperature. Check sweetness after ten seconds, not only at first contact. Acidity, minerals, proteins, and heat can change the result. A blend that works in water may taste flat in a flavored drink. Keep precise records of dosage, pH, processing temperature, and storage time. Document every change.

There is no reliable universal ratio. My practical preference is to test NF13 as the main sweetness body, then add a smaller amount of a complementary sweetener. This approach can reduce harsh peaks, but it is not guaranteed. Some blends become too lingering or artificial. Review the applicable food standards, acceptable daily intake limits, and product category requirements before commercial use. A qualified food technologist should verify the final formula.

What Is Sodium Cyclamate NF13 and How Is It Used?

Sodium cyclamate is a high-intensity sweetener commonly used in blends to balance sweetness, taste profile, and cost. NF13 should be combined with other sweeteners according to the product specification, sensory targets, local regulations, and applicable acceptable daily intake limits.

The chart compares the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) acceptable daily intake values in milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. These values are safety reference points, not recommended formulation levels. In practice, cyclamate may be blended with sweeteners such as saccharin, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, or sucralose to improve sweetness quality and reduce individual aftertastes. Each sweetener’s regulatory limit must be checked separately because permitted uses and limits vary by country.

FAQS

How sweet is sodium cyclamate NF13 compared with sucrose?

It is commonly described as 30–50 times sweeter than sucrose by weight. One gram may equal the sweetness of 30–50 grams of sugar. This is only an estimate. Temperature, acidity, and other ingredients can change perception.

Does NF13 guarantee a specific sweetness level?

No. NF13 describes a quality or specification grade, not a fixed sweetness strength. Check the current certificate of analysis before formulation. Test it against a measured sucrose solution.

Where is sodium cyclamate NF13 commonly used?

It may be used in powdered drinks, flavored liquids, desserts, and reduced-sugar products. It can also sweeten tabletop products where local rules permit. Pharmaceutical formulas may include it in oral liquids, powders, or chewable tablets. Uses vary by market.

Can it be blended with other sweeteners?

Yes, formulators may combine it with other sweeteners for a fuller taste. Blending can reduce sharp or incomplete sweetness. It may also soften bitter notes from minerals or botanical ingredients. The result still requires tasting.

Does sodium cyclamate NF13 have an aftertaste?

Some people notice a mild lingering taste at higher concentrations. Others may find the taste relatively clean. Personal sensitivity differs. A small pilot batch can expose problems early.

How should its sweetness be tested during development?

Start with a very small test batch. Compare it with a measured sucrose solution, not a spoonful of sugar. Record temperature, acidity, and concentration. Sensory results can be inconsistent.

How is sodium cyclamate NF13 manufactured?

It is produced through a controlled conversion of cyclohexylamine into a cyclamate salt. Operators monitor temperature, pH, and reaction completion. The solution is clarified, concentrated, crystallized, centrifuged, and dried. Clean equipment matters.

What quality tests should be reviewed before use?

Review identity, assay, water, pH, related substances, sulfates, and heavy metals. Microbial quality may also apply. Check the batch number, test methods, and retest date. A clear crystal is not proof of purity.

How should sodium cyclamate NF13 be stored?

Keep it in a sealed container away from heat and moisture. Use traceable batch records. Review the certificate of analysis carefully. “Passed” alone may not provide enough detail.

Conclusion

Sodium Cyclamate NF13 is a high-intensity sweetener identified by CAS 139-05-9 and commonly supplied as a standardized, quality-controlled form of sodium cyclamate. It provides approximately 30–50 times the sweetness of sucrose, allowing formulators to reduce sugar while maintaining a pleasant sweet taste. The JECFA acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–11 mg per kilogram of body weight provides a science-based reference for evaluating daily exposure and supporting responsible formulation.

NF13 is produced through controlled chemical processing and assessed for identity, purity, moisture, stability, and other relevant quality attributes before use. It can be applied in selected food, beverage, and pharmaceutical formulas where intense sweetness and low usage levels are desirable. Because its flavor profile may complement other sweeteners, it is often combined with ingredients such as saccharin or other high-intensity sweeteners to improve sweetness balance, reduce aftertaste, and create a more rounded sensory result. Final use should follow applicable specifications, labeling requirements, and regulatory guidance in the intended market.

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Lila is a dedicated professional marketing specialist at a leading nutritional ingredients company, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. With a keen focus on integrating superior formulations, Lila expertly selects premium nutritional components, including 100% pure creatine......
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