What is E420?
Sorbitol (E420) is a polyol used for sweetness, moisture management and bulk in specified foods. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice the product type and amount.
E420 covers sorbitol and sorbitol syrup, polyols used for sweetness, humectancy and bulking in permitted foods. Large amounts can have a laxative effect, so the product context matters.
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What is Sorbitol?
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It can provide sweetness and bulk while also helping retain moisture in some food formulations.
What's it used for?
- Providing sweetness with bulk
- Retaining moisture
- Supporting texture and mouthfeel
- Replacing some sucrose functions in selected foods
Where you'll find E420 on the shelf
It is most relevant to sugar-free confectionery, chewing gum, baked goods, desserts and other reduced-sugar formulations.
Is E420 permitted? What the regulators say
Sorbitol is permitted in the three systems checked, with category conditions, specifications and labelling requirements for some higher-use products.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists sorbitol and sorbitol syrup as additive 420; Schedule 15 category conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E420(i) sorbitol and E420(ii) sorbitol syrup, with specified uses and quantum satis conditions where listed. |
| US United States (FDA) | Affirmed GRAS with labelling conditions | FDA 21 CFR 184.1835 affirms sorbitol as GRAS under good manufacturing practice and requires a laxative-effect statement for products reasonably expected to provide 50 g daily. |
Goodnessly rates E420 Caution to encourage awareness of polyols and portion context. This does not say sorbitol in permitted amounts is harmful.
Eco score: Coming Soon.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, additive 420.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 cover E420 use and specifications.
- FDA 21 CFR 184.1835 includes US use and laxative-effect labelling conditions.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who notice digestive effects from polyols
- People comparing sugar-free confectionery and gum
- People checking products with high polyol content
Goodnessly rates E420 Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Sorbitol
- Sorbitol syrup
- 420 or E420
- Humectant (420) or sweetener (420)
Check both the ingredient name and any required statement about excess consumption having a laxative effect.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E420?
E420 covers sorbitol and sorbitol syrup, polyols used for sweetness, moisture and bulk.
Is E420 permitted?
E420 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The product type, amount and labelling conditions still matter.
Why is sorbitol rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice polyols, product type and portion context.
How does Goodnessly rate E420?
Goodnessly rates E420 (sorbitol or sorbitol syrup) as Caution.
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