Is Sorbitol Safe? E420 Explained
Sorbitol is E420 (Sorbitol) — a sugar alcohol from plant glucose — sweet but with fewer calories than sugar, and a laxative effect at high doses.
What is Sorbitol?
E420 is Sorbitol, a food additive classified as a humectant that retain moisture and prevent drying out. A sugar alcohol from plant glucose — sweet but with fewer calories than sugar, and a laxative effect at high doses. You'll find it in baked goods, confectionery, dried fruits and many other packaged foods. Like every E-number, E420 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Is Sorbitol bad for you?
EFSA has reviewed E420 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Sorbitol to harm at normal dietary intakes.
EFSA opinion: Sorbitol — status Safe.
Foods containing Sorbitol
- baked goods
- confectionery
- dried fruits
- tobacco products
- cosmetics
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Related to Sorbitol
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Sorbitol FAQs
Is Sorbitol bad for you?
EFSA has reviewed E420 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Sorbitol to harm at normal dietary intakes.
Is Sorbitol vegan?
E420 (Sorbitol) is vegan. It is derived from plant (glucose), with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is Sorbitol halal?
E420 (Sorbitol) is halal. It is derived from plant (glucose), which involves no haram sources.
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA