What is E420?
E420 is Sorbitol — a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and moisture-keeper — safe, but laxative in large amounts.
What is E420 (Sorbitol)?
E420 is the E-number for sorbitol, 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 glucose. Like all sugar alcohols (polyols), sorbitol has a laxative effect in large doses — which is why sugar-free sweets carry the warning 'excessive consumption may produce laxative effects'. Like every E-number, E420 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 E420 in detail below.
Where is E420 found?
E420 is typically used in diet soft drinks, sugar-free gum, desserts, yoghurts and low-calorie foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E420) or by its full name, sorbitol. Common foods that may contain E420 include:
- Sugar-free sweets and gum
- Diabetic foods
- Baked goods
- Toothpaste
- Medicines
Full guide: foods containing E420 and how to spot it on labels →
E420 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Sorbitol safe?
Is E420 safe?
E420 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 E420.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E420 vegan?
E420 is vegan. A sugar alcohol made from glucose, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E420 →Is E420 halal?
E420 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from glucose, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E420 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E420 in food?
E420 is Sorbitol — a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and moisture-keeper — safe, but laxative in large amounts.
Is E420 safe to eat?
Yes. E420 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E420 vegan?
E420 is vegan. A sugar alcohol made from glucose, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E420 halal?
E420 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from glucose, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).