Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
The food additive E968 (erythritol) is a natural low-calorie sweetener used as a sugar substitute. In the food industry, E968 is also used as a texturizer, humectant, and stabilizer.
Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol formed as a result of plant and microbial metabolism. It naturally occurs in many fruits (grapes, melons, pears) and is also present in fermented products (wine, beer, soy sauce). Additionally, small amounts of erythritol are synthesized in human tissues during metabolism.
Erythritol was discovered in the mid-19th century, but its industrial use as a sweetener began only in the 1990s in Japan. Today, it is one of the most popular natural low-calorie sugar substitutes worldwide.
The chemical formula of erythritol is C4H10O4. E968 appears as a white crystalline powder with no odor and a mild cooling effect in the mouth. Erythritol has approximately 60–70% of the sweetness of sucrose. It is highly soluble in water, has low hygroscopicity, and is stable under normal processing temperatures.
For food purposes, E968 is produced biotechnologically by fermenting glucose from plant sources (corn or wheat starch) using special osmophilic yeasts, such as Moniliella pollinis or Yarrowia lipolytica.
Erythritol is more expensive than regular sugar but cheaper than many high-intensity synthetic sweeteners, making it an optimal choice for combining quality, safety, and taste properties.
Effects on the Body
Benefits of Additive E968
Erythritol is one of the most physiologically safe sweeteners and does not affect carbohydrate metabolism. Over 90% of ingested erythritol is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in the urine.
Studies have shown that erythritol is metabolically neutral: it does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels, and its energy value is only ≈0.2 kcal/g—almost negligible compared to sugar. This makes E968 a safe and effective alternative for people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or those following low-carbohydrate diets.
Erythritol exhibits strong non-cariogenic properties because it is not fermented by oral bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans, which are the primary cause of tooth enamel decay. Clinical trials have demonstrated that erythritol can protect against dental caries even more effectively than xylitol, as it more actively inhibits the growth of pathogenic oral microflora and significantly reduces dental plaque.
Risks of Additive E968
Although E968 is considered one of the safest sweeteners, there are some precautions regarding its consumption.
Excessive consumption of erythritol may cause gastrointestinal disturbances (gas, bloating, diarrhea) in sensitive individuals.
Recent research has found that high levels of erythritol in the blood may be associated with increased platelet activity and a higher risk of cardiovascular events, although a direct causal relationship has not yet been established.
According to the latest 2023 reassessment, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that, overall, E968 is a safe food sweetener.
At the same time, the committee noted that erythritol (E968) may cause diarrhea in some individuals, which is considered an adverse effect due to potential water loss and electrolyte imbalance. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was set at 0.5 g/kg body weight, which also forms the basis for establishing the acceptable daily intake (ADI) at 0.5 g/kg body weight per day.
The committee indicated that at high consumption levels, especially in children and adolescents, erythritol intake may exceed the ADI both in single and chronic consumption, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) assigned erythritol an ADI of “not specified,” as the additive does not pose a health risk under normal use.
Uses
E968 is widely used as a sweetener in the production of low-calorie, sugar-free, and diet products, including desserts, confectionery, and beverages for people with diabetes.
In addition to providing sweetness, erythritol functions as a texture stabilizer and humectant, helping to maintain the softness and structure of baked goods without sugar.
Due to its ability to inhibit pathogenic oral microflora, erythritol is also a key ingredient in toothpastes, chewing gums, and professional dental hygiene products.
Legal Status
E968 is authorized for use in many countries worldwide, including the EU, Ukraine, the USA, Canada, Japan, and others, where it is recognized as safe for use in various food categories.
In the European Union, erythritol is included in the list of authorized food additives under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
In Ukraine, erythritol is recognized as an approved food ingredient in accordance with European legislation requirements.
In the United States, the FDA recognizes erythritol as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for use in food products.