What is E421?
Mannitol (E421) is a polyol used as a sweetener, bulking agent or carrier in selected foods. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice polyol use and portion context.
E421 is a sugar alcohol that can provide sweetness and bulk. Its technological role varies by product, and its use is subject to regional category rules.
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What is Mannitol?
E421 is a sugar alcohol that can provide sweetness and bulk. Its technological role varies by product, and its use is subject to regional category rules.
What's it used for?
- Providing sweetness
- Adding bulk to reduced-sugar products
- Carrying flavours or nutrients in selected uses
- Supporting texture in confectionery
Where you'll find E421 on the shelf
It is most relevant to sugar-free confectionery, tabletop products, supplements and specialised formulations.
Is E421 safe? What the regulators say
Mannitol is authorised or permitted in all three systems checked, with category, specification and use-level conditions.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists mannitol as additive 421 in Schedule 15. The applicable food class and maximum level determine the permission. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E421 is on the EU Union list, with specifications covering permitted forms and use conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted for specified uses | FDA 21 CFR 180.25 permits mannitol for specified food uses, including pressed mints and chewing gum, under its stated conditions. |
Goodnessly rates E421 Caution to encourage portion and polyol awareness. This is not a claim that mannitol causes digestive symptoms for everyone.
- FSANZ Schedule 15 lists mannitol as additive 421.
- EU Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 includes E421 and the specifications are maintained under Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.
- 21 CFR 180.25 sets the US interim food-additive conditions for mannitol.
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 discomfort with larger amounts of polyols
- People comparing sugar-free confectionery
- People following professional advice about carbohydrate or digestive tolerance
Portion size and the full formulation are useful context when comparing products containing E421.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Mannitol
- 421 or E421
- Sweetener (421)
- Bulking agent (421)
Look for mannitol, E421 or the sweetener or bulking-agent class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E421?
E421 is mannitol, a polyol used as a sweetener, bulking agent or carrier in selected foods.
Is mannitol permitted?
Mannitol is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and use level matter.
Why is mannitol rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a prompt to notice polyol-containing products and consider the overall formulation and portion.
How does Goodnessly rate E421?
Goodnessly rates E421 (mannitol) as Caution.
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