E421: Mannitol

What is E421?

E421 is mannitol, a sugar alcohol (polyol) closely related to sorbitol. It is a white crystalline powder about half as sweet as sugar, with a cooling taste and very low tendency to absorb moisture.

Origin and production

Mannitol occurs naturally in many plants, fungi and seaweeds, and was first isolated from the sweet exudate of the manna ash tree. Commercially it is mainly made by hydrogenating fructose-containing sugars, and it can also be produced by fermentation or extracted from seaweed.

Why is it used?

Because it does not take up moisture, mannitol is used as a dusting powder on chewing gum, as a sweetener and bulking agent in sugar-free sweets, and as a filler in tablets. It appears in sugar-free chewing gum, confectionery, dietary supplements and some flavoured products.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

E421 is plant- or fermentation-derived and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It raises no particular halal or kosher concerns.

Safety and regulation

Mannitol is authorised in the European Union as a sweetener and for other technological uses. Products containing more than 10% added polyols must state that 'excessive consumption may produce laxative effects', as mannitol is only partly absorbed in the gut.

Common in