What is Maltitol (E965)?

What does it do?

Provides sweetness in place of sugar (usually calorie-free) or adds surface gloss.

Is it harmful? Risk context

It is generally regarded as safe and has been used widely for many years; many are naturally sourced or substances the body already processes. Seeing it on a label does not mean "a bad product".

Sugar alcohol; laxative effect at excessive intake

Containing an additive is not the same as being harmed by the product. A hazard is a substance’s theoretical potential to cause harm; risk depends on the actual amount you are exposed to. Rather than stamping additives with fear-based labels, NeBu explains them with sourced information — and leaves the decision to you.

Regulatory status

• EFSA is re-evaluating this substance (opinion pending). Its status may change — NeBu does not treat it as settled.

Sources

• EFSA — Food additives
• EFSA — Sweeteners: state of play (2024)
• Türk Gıda Kodeksi — Gıda Katkı Maddeleri Yönetmeliği (RG 13.10.2023)