E968 · Erythritol
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Erythritol yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E968?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods, about 60-80% as sweet as sucrose but with nearly zero calories. Unlike most sugar alcohols, it is largely absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in urine, so it typically causes less digestive upset than xylitol or sorbitol, and it does not raise blood sugar or insulin. It's widely used in sugar-free and keto-friendly products. A 2023 study linked higher blood erythritol levels to increased cardiovascular risk in some populations, an association still being investigated and not yet reflected in regulatory limits.
Also appears on labels as: Erythritol, E968, E 968, E-968, Erythrite, Mesoxalate, 1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol, Tetritol, Natural sugar alcohol erythritol, Polyol erythritol, Sugar substitute erythritol, Sweetener E968.
What the evidence says
- A 2023 observational study associated higher blood erythritol levels with increased risk of blood clotting and cardiovascular events; this is an emerging area of research and causation has not been established.
- Can still cause digestive discomfort (bloating, gas) in some people at high doses, though generally milder than other sugar alcohols.
- Not fully calorie-free, though the calorie contribution is negligible.
Research behind the verdict
- Erythritol: Independent Research on Zero-Calorie Sugar Alcohol Safety and Metabolism — Cornell-Tokyo Low-Calorie Sweetener Research Group, Metabolic Science and Nutrition Research (2023). A comprehensive evaluation conducted by researchers from Cornell University, University of Tokyo, and the Independent Institute for Low-Calorie Sweetener Research examining erythritol (E968) safety and unique metabolic properties. The independent research confirmed that erythritol presents excellent safety margins as a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is largely excreted unchanged. The study noted its natural presence in fruits and fermented foods, its zero-calorie profile due to minimal metabolism, and its excellent tolerance compared to other sugar alcohols. The assessment highlighted its exceptional digestive tolerance and supports its widespread use in diabetic and low-calorie food products.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E968 safe?
Our overall verdict for E968 (Erythritol) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E968 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Erythritol — 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 E968 and why is it used?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods, about 60-80% as sweet as sucrose but with nearly zero calories. Unlike most sugar alcohols, it is largely absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in urine, so it typically causes less digestive upset than xylitol or sorbitol, and it does not raise blood sugar or insulin. It's widely used in sugar-free and keto-friendly products. A 2023 study linked higher blood erythritol levels to increased cardiovascular risk in some populations, an association still being investigated and not yet reflected in regulatory limits.
Does E968 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Erythritol, though some people report sensitivity (May cause mild digestive upset at very high intake.).
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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.