Is Lactitol Safe?
Lactitol is the additive E966 — a sugar alcohol made from lactose, which comes from milk, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
Is Lactitol safe to eat?
E966 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E966.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Lactitol?
E966 is the E-number for lactitol, one of the artificial & intense sweeteners group of food additives (E900–E999). Additives in this group sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar. A sugar alcohol made from lactose, which comes from milk. Like every E-number, E966 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E966 in detail below.
What foods contain Lactitol?
E966 (Lactitol) is typically found in:
- Diet soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum
- Desserts
- Yoghurts and low-calorie foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lactitol bad for you?
Yes. E966 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Lactitol vegan?
E966 is not vegan. A sugar alcohol made from lactose, which comes from milk.
Is Lactitol halal?
E966 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from lactose, which comes from milk, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E966 (Lactitol) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).