What is E965?
Maltitol and maltitol syrup (E965) are polyol sweeteners used to provide sweetness and bulk in reduced-sugar foods. Goodnessly rates them Caution as a preference to moderate sugar-alcohol ingredients.
Maltitol is a sugar alcohol used in solid and syrup forms. Polyols can have a laxative effect when consumed in larger amounts, so some labels carry a required advisory depending on the jurisdiction.
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What is Maltitol and maltitol syrup?
Maltitol is a sugar alcohol used in solid and syrup forms. Polyols can have a laxative effect when consumed in larger amounts, so some labels carry a required advisory depending on the jurisdiction.
What's it used for?
- Sweetening reduced-sugar foods
- Providing bulk and mouthfeel
- Supporting texture in confectionery and desserts
- Replacing some sucrose in formulated foods
Where you'll find E965 on the shelf
It is most relevant to reduced-sugar confectionery, desserts, baked foods and sweetener blends.
Is E965 safe? What the regulators say
Maltitol is permitted with conditions in AU/NZ, the EU and the US. EFSA included maltitols in a 2026 data-collection call for analytical and use-level information.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists maltitol and maltitol syrup as additive 965 in Schedule 15; category conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E965 is on the EU Union list under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for specified uses. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted under applicable US food rules | US use is subject to the applicable food-additive basis and labelling requirements for the formulation. |
People who experience digestive effects from polyols should consider the amount consumed and follow required label advice. Caution is not a claim of definite harm.
- EFSA’s 2026 call includes maltitols E965 and related polyols.
- FSANZ and the EU Union list provide specified permissions.
- Polyol advisory wording depends on the applicable rules and amount used.
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 sensitive to polyols
- People comparing reduced-sugar confectionery
- People who prefer to moderate sugar-alcohol sweeteners
Goodnessly rates E965 Caution as a moderation preference and a prompt to read any polyol advisory statement.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Maltitol
- Maltitol syrup
- 965 or E965
- Sweetener (965)
Maltitol may appear as a solid sweetener, syrup or part of a wider polyol blend.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E965?
E965 is maltitol and maltitol syrup, polyol sweeteners used for sweetness and bulk.
Can maltitol affect digestion?
As with other polyols, larger amounts may have a laxative effect or cause digestive symptoms in some people.
Is E965 permitted?
E965 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US.
How does Goodnessly rate E965?
Goodnessly rates E965 (maltitol and maltitol syrup) as Caution.
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