Erythritol

Erythritol (CAS 149-32-6), also known by the food additive designation E968, is a naturally derived sugar alcohol used primarily as a low-calorie sweetener and humectant.

Where is Erythritol used?

• Food and beverage: bulking agent in tabletop sweetener blends and sugar-free confectionery.
• Low-calorie baked goods: controls moisture migration and extends shelf life.
• Baking and pastry: reduces browning from Maillard reactions while maintaining sweetness and mouthfeel.
• Pharmaceutical: tablet excipient and coating agent for solid dosage forms.
• Diluent in wet granulation with moisture-sensitive drugs.
• Personal care: humectant in skin creams and serums.
• Toothpastes and mouthwashes: non-cariogenic sweetener.
• Suppresses undesirable tastes of high-intensity sweeteners when used together.
• Specialty resins: reactive polyol.
• Delivers sweetness at approximately 70% the intensity of sucrose while contributing negligible caloric value.

Good to know: Preferred in reduced-sugar and diabetic-friendly formulations.

Typical specification

• Available in a granular fine grade.
• Solubility of 37% (w/w) at 25°C.
• Heat stable up to 180°C.
• Purity at least 99%.

Regulatory status

• Permitted as a sweetener in organic food in the EU under Commission Implementing Regulation 2016/673.
• EFSA recommends lowering the current maximum limit for lead in erythritol of 0.5 mg/kg to reduce consumer lead intake from this food additive.
• An acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day was set to protect against the immediate laxative effect and possible long-term adverse effects secondary to diarrhoea such as electrolyte imbalance.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, preferably away from light and heat sources.

Frequently asked questions about Erythritol

What is the regulatory status of erythritol in the EU and US?

Erythritol is supplied in accordance with the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) and European specifications for food additives on E968. The warning 'excessive consumption may produce laxative effects' is still valid for erythritol.

What are the stability and moisture specifications of erythritol?

Erythritol is stable over a pH range of 2 to 10. Its moisture content is at most 0.5%.

Does erythritol undergo Maillard browning reactions, and what is its function in tablets?

Erythritol does not undergo Maillard browning reactions. It acts as a tablet disintegrant.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.