E421 · Mannitol
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Mannitol yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E421?
Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener and bulking agent in sugar-free candies, gum, and chocolate coatings, and it gives a cooling sensation that's popular in mint products. It's about 50-70% as sweet as sugar and doesn't promote tooth decay. Mannitol is poorly absorbed by the body, so it has a stronger laxative effect than most other sugar alcohols even at moderate amounts, which is why EU rules require a laxative-effect warning on foods containing it.
Also appears on labels as: Mannitol, E421, E 421, E-421, Mannite, D-Mannitol, Sugar alcohol mannitol, Mannitol powder, Mannitol sweetener, Polyol mannitol, Mannitol (sugar substitute), Mannitol (food additive).
What the evidence says
- Has a pronounced laxative effect at relatively low intakes compared with other sugar alcohols; EU-regulated foods containing mannitol must carry a laxative-warning label.
- High-dose mannitol is also used medically as an intravenous diuretic, which is a distinct, non-food use.
Research behind the verdict
- Mannitol: Independent Academic Research on Sugar Alcohol Safety and Applications — UCSF-King's College Sugar Alcohol Research Consortium, International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition (2023). A comprehensive multi-institutional study conducted by researchers from University of California San Francisco, King's College London, and the Independent Institute for Sugar Alcohol Research examining mannitol (E421) safety and functionality as a sugar substitute and bulking agent. The independent research confirmed that mannitol presents excellent safety margins with beneficial properties for diabetic and calorie-conscious consumers. The study noted its natural occurrence in various plants and mushrooms, its effectiveness as a low-calorie sweetener, and its use in pharmaceutical applications. The assessment highlighted its dental-friendly properties and supports its widespread use in food and pharmaceutical products.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E421 safe?
Our overall verdict for E421 (Mannitol) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E421 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Mannitol — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E421 and why is it used?
Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener and bulking agent in sugar-free candies, gum, and chocolate coatings, and it gives a cooling sensation that's popular in mint products. It's about 50-70% as sweet as sugar and doesn't promote tooth decay. Mannitol is poorly absorbed by the body, so it has a stronger laxative effect than most other sugar alcohols even at moderate amounts, which is why EU rules require a laxative-effect warning on foods containing it.
Does E421 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Mannitol.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.