What is E953?
E953 is Isomalt — a sugar alcohol made from sugar beet, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
What is E953 (Isomalt)?
E953 is the E-number for isomalt, 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 sugar beet. Like every E-number, E953 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 E953 in detail below.
Where is E953 found?
E953 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 (E953) or by its full name, isomalt. Common foods that may contain E953 include:
- Diet soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum
- Desserts
- Yoghurts and low-calorie foods
Full guide: foods containing E953 and how to spot it on labels →
E953 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Isomalt safe?
Is E953 safe?
E953 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 E953.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E953 vegan?
E953 is vegan. A sugar alcohol made from sugar beet, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E953 →Is E953 halal?
E953 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from sugar beet, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E953 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E953 in food?
E953 is Isomalt — a sugar alcohol made from sugar beet, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
Is E953 safe to eat?
Yes. E953 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E953 vegan?
E953 is vegan. A sugar alcohol made from sugar beet, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E953 halal?
E953 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from sugar beet, 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).