What is E421?
E421 is Mannitol — 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.
What is E421 (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.
Where is E421 found?
E421 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 (E421) or by its full name, mannitol. Common foods that may contain E421 include:
- Diet soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum
- Desserts
- Yoghurts and low-calorie foods
Full guide: foods containing E421 and how to spot it on labels →
E421 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Mannitol safe?
Is E421 safe?
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
Is E421 vegan?
E421 is vegan. A sugar alcohol made from fructose or by fermentation, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E421 →Is E421 halal?
E421 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from fructose or by fermentation, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E421 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E421 in food?
E421 is Mannitol — 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 E421 safe to eat?
Yes. E421 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E421 vegan?
E421 is vegan. A sugar alcohol made from fructose or by fermentation, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E421 halal?
E421 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from fructose or by fermentation, 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).