Is Mannitol Safe?
Mannitol is the additive E421 — a sugar alcohol made from fructose or by fermentation, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
Is Mannitol safe to eat?
E421 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 E421.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Mannitol?
E421 is the E-number for mannitol, 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 fructose or by fermentation. Like every E-number, E421 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 E421 in detail below.
What foods contain Mannitol?
E421 (Mannitol) is typically found in:
- Diet soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum
- Desserts
- Yoghurts and low-calorie foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mannitol bad for you?
Yes. E421 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Mannitol vegan?
E421 is vegan. A sugar alcohol made from fructose or by fermentation, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Mannitol halal?
E421 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from fructose or by fermentation, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E421 (Mannitol) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).