What is E966?
E966 is Lactitol — a sugar alcohol made from lactose, which comes from milk, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
What is E966 (Lactitol)?
E966 is the E-number for lactitol, 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 lactose, which comes from milk. Like every E-number, E966 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 E966 in detail below.
Where is E966 found?
E966 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 (E966) or by its full name, lactitol. Common foods that may contain E966 include:
- Diet soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum
- Desserts
- Yoghurts and low-calorie foods
Full guide: foods containing E966 and how to spot it on labels →
E966 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Lactitol safe?
Is E966 safe?
E966 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 E966.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E966 vegan?
E966 is not vegan. A sugar alcohol made from lactose, which comes from milk.
Full vegan status guide for E966 →Is E966 halal?
E966 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from lactose, which comes from milk, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E966 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E966 in food?
E966 is Lactitol — a sugar alcohol made from lactose, which comes from milk, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
Is E966 safe to eat?
Yes. E966 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E966 vegan?
E966 is not vegan. A sugar alcohol made from lactose, which comes from milk.
Is E966 halal?
E966 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from lactose, which comes from milk, 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).