Who We Are
Established in 2000, Natex UK Ltd brings more than 25 years of specialist expertise in Thaumatin. Through our responsibly sourced procurement programme and proprietary technology, we have established ourselves as global leaders in the Thaumatin market.
Based in the UK and trusted worldwide, we supply high-quality Thaumatin to leading international brands across the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors.
What We Do
We combine patented technology with deep application expertise to transform Thaumatin into high-performance, easy-to-use solutions for modern formulations.
By modifying and applying Thaumatin to natural sweeteners and other carriers, we create ingredients that deliver consistent taste performance across a wide range of product categories.
We operate to the highest international standards, delivering safety, quality and compliance at every stage.
Our Story
Founded in 2000 by Charles Boy, Natex UK Ltd builds on more than four decades of specialist Thaumatin expertise.
1986
Charles joins Tate & Lyle’s speciality sweetener division, at the forefront of Thaumatin manufacturing innovation. The Talin brand goes on to achieve global success, positioning Thaumatin as a recognised ingredient worldwide.
1992
Following the acquisition of the Thaumatin business by Hays Ingredients, Charles leads the Talin business, expanding global adoption across pharmaceutical, food and beverage markets.
2000
Charles founds Natex UK Ltd. securing substantial fruit supply and Natex starts it’s journey to become a significant player in the global Thaumatin market.
2008
Natex UK Ltd invests in proprietary patented technology to advance the modification and application of Thaumatin under the Sweetence brand.
2025
The ThaumActive® ready-to-use natural sweetener range launches — delivering plug-and-play solutions for applications including flavoured waters and protein beverages.
Today, Natex combines sourcing expertise, scientific innovation and application know-how to deliver high-performance natural sweetening solutions to global markets.
What Is Thaumatin?
Thaumatin is a naturally occurring sweet-tasting protein extracted from Thaumatococcus daniellii (katemfe), a plant native to West Africa.
It is one of the sweetest natural substances known – approximately 3,000 times sweeter than sucrose. Due to its exceptional potency and flavour modifying properties, Thaumatin is not used as a standalone sweetener. Instead, it works synergistically with other sweeteners to optimise sweetness systems, creating balanced sweetness, a clean taste profile and no lingering aftertaste.
How Does It Work?
Thaumatin delivers powerful flavour-modifying benefits, including sweetness enhancement and bitterness suppression.
Sweetness Enhancement
Thaumatin enhances the perceived sweetness of other sweeteners by up to 25%, while extending sweetness duration.
When sweet compounds activate taste receptors on the tongue, signals are sent to the brain to create the sensation of sweetness. Thaumatin amplifies this response, delivering a fuller, smoother and more rounded sweetness that lingers pleasantly after consumption.
The result is improved sweetness impact, better balance within the sweetener system and enhanced overall flavour performance.
Bitter Blocking
Thaumatin also helps reduce bitterness by modulating bitter taste receptors, limiting harsh and lingering aftertastes.
Ingredients such as minerals, vitamins and certain plant-based compounds can trigger prolonged bitter signals, often outlasting sweetness and leaving an undesirable finish.
By reducing the intensity of these signals, Thaumatin smooths the overall flavour profile — creating a cleaner, more balanced taste experience.