What is E966?
Lactitol (E966) is a sugar alcohol used as a bulk sweetener and texturiser in selected reduced-sugar foods. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a preference to moderate sugar-alcohol ingredients.
Lactitol is a polyol made from lactose-derived material. It provides bulk and sweetness with fewer kilojoules than sucrose, and excessive intake of polyols can have a laxative effect.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Lactitol?
Lactitol is a polyol made from lactose-derived material. It provides bulk and sweetness with fewer kilojoules than sucrose, and excessive intake of polyols can have a laxative effect.
What's it used for?
- Providing bulk in reduced-sugar foods
- Sweetening selected confectionery and desserts
- Supporting texture and mouthfeel
- Replacing some sucrose in formulated products
Where you'll find E966 on the shelf
It is most relevant to reduced-sugar confectionery, desserts and specialty food formulations.
Is E966 safe? What the regulators say
Lactitol is authorised with conditions in AU/NZ and the EU. As with other polyols, labels may carry a laxative-effect statement where required by the applicable rules.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists lactitol as additive 966 in Schedule 15; category conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E966 is on the EU Union list under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for specified uses. |
| US United States (FDA) | US status depends on the food-use basis | The checked FDA sources did not establish a single dedicated E966 CFR section; US use should be read against the applicable ingredient and food-additive basis. |
People with digestive symptoms should follow clinical advice. Goodnessly’s Caution tier is a preference for moderation, not a claim that authorised lactitol use is unsafe for everyone.
- EFSA’s 2026 call includes lactitol E966 in the polyol data-collection group.
- FSANZ and EU sources list E966 with specified conditions.
- Polyol labelling requirements depend on the applicable jurisdiction 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 who notice digestive effects from sugar alcohols
- People comparing reduced-sugar confectionery
Goodnessly rates E966 Caution as a reminder to moderate polyol-heavy products and read any required label advisory.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Lactitol
- 966 or E966
- Sweetener (966)
- Lactitol in a polyol blend
Check the ingredient list for lactitol and any jurisdiction-specific advisory statement.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E966?
E966 is lactitol, a sugar alcohol used as a bulk sweetener and texturiser.
Can lactitol affect digestion?
As with other polyols, larger amounts may have a laxative effect or cause digestive symptoms in some people.
Is E966 permitted?
E966 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU; the US regulatory basis depends on the particular use.
How does Goodnessly rate E966?
Goodnessly rates E966 (lactitol) as Caution.
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