Is Maltitol Safe?
Maltitol is the additive E965 — a sugar alcohol made from starch, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
Is Maltitol safe to eat?
E965 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 E965.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Maltitol?
E965 is the E-number for maltitol, 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 starch. Like every E-number, E965 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 E965 in detail below.
What foods contain Maltitol?
E965 (Maltitol) is typically found in:
- Diet soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum
- Desserts
- Yoghurts and low-calorie foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maltitol bad for you?
Yes. E965 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Maltitol vegan?
E965 is vegan. A sugar alcohol made from starch, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Maltitol halal?
E965 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from starch, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E965 (Maltitol) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).