E968: Erythritol

What is E968?

Erythritol (E968) is a sugar alcohol, or polyol, that forms white crystals about two-thirds as sweet as table sugar. Most of it is excreted unchanged, so it provides almost no calories.

Origin and production

It occurs naturally in small amounts in fruits and fermented foods. Commercially it is made by fermenting glucose, usually from corn or wheat starch, with selected yeasts or fungi.

Why is it used?

Manufacturers use it as a bulk sweetener that replaces sugar's volume as well as its sweetness, and as a humectant. It is common in sugar-free ice creams, protein bars, snacks and energy drinks, often blended with intense sweeteners such as stevia.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Produced by fermentation of plant sugars, erythritol is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians; halal or kosher status depends on certification.

Safety and regulation

Erythritol is authorised as a food additive in the EU and was re-evaluated by EFSA. As with other polyols, products containing more than 10% added polyols must carry the statement that excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.

Common in