What is E968?
E968 is Erythritol — a sugar alcohol produced by fermentation, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
What is E968 (Erythritol)?
E968 is the E-number for erythritol, 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 produced by fermentation. Like every E-number, E968 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 E968 in detail below.
Where is E968 found?
E968 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 (E968) or by its full name, erythritol. Common foods that may contain E968 include:
- Diet soft drinks
- Sugar-free gum
- Desserts
- Yoghurts and low-calorie foods
Full guide: foods containing E968 and how to spot it on labels →
E968 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Erythritol safe?
Is E968 safe?
E968 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 E968.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E968 vegan?
E968 is vegan. A sugar alcohol produced by fermentation, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E968 →Is E968 halal?
E968 is halal. A sugar alcohol produced by fermentation, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E968 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E968 in food?
E968 is Erythritol — a sugar alcohol produced by fermentation, used as a artificial & intense sweetener to help sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar.
Is E968 safe to eat?
Yes. E968 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E968 vegan?
E968 is vegan. A sugar alcohol produced by fermentation, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E968 halal?
E968 is halal. A sugar alcohol produced 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).