The substance is often used primarily for its flavour-modifying properties and not exclusively as a sweetener. It is mostly composed of five distinct forms, viz. thaumatins I, II, III, b, and c. All of them are almost 100,000 times sweeter than sucrose, and do have molecular weights around 22,000. The sweetness of thaumatin builds very slowly. Perception lasts a long time, leaving a liquorice-like aftertaste at high usage levels. Thaumatin is highly water soluble, stable to heating, and stable under acidic conditions. It is also used largely in such products as: Chewing gums, breath fresheners as it has enormous usage as a potential low-calorie sweetener