E 966 Lactitol

What is E 966?

E 966 is the E number of Lactitol. Sugar alcohol made from milk sugar (lactose). It is used in sugar-free sweets and ice cream.

What is E 966 used for?

E 966 belongs to the group "Sweeteners" and is used as sweetener.

• Sweetener: Sweeteners impart a sweet taste. They are used in foods or as table-top sweeteners.

Which foods may contain E 966?

According to the European Commission's database, E 966 may be used in 76 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 966 vegan?

Not vegan: of animal origin.

Is E 966 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 966 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Sweetener: E 966" or "Sweetener: Lactitol".

• Mandatory statement above 10 % added polyols: "Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects." (Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011).