E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
E965 (Maltitol) is a disaccharide polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of maltose derived from cornstarch. INS 965(i), ADI is Not Specified (Excessive consumption may have laxative effect), delivering 90% the sweetness of sugar with 2.1 kcal/g.
E968 (Erythritol) is a four-carbon polyol produced by microbial fermentation of glucose by Moniliella pollinis. INS 968, ADI is Not Specified, delivering 70% the sweetness of sucrose with 0.0–0.2 kcal/g, zero GI, and 90% urinary excretion avoiding digestive distress.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E965 | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 965(i) (Powder) / 965(ii) (Syrup) | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Bulk Sweetener, Humectant, Texturizer | Non-Nutritive Bulk Sweetener, Flavor Enhancer, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Laxative warning required) | Not Specified (Highest digestive tolerance among all polyols: 0.66–0.80 g/kg bw) |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
90% Sucrose | 70% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
2.1 kcal / g (47% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g | 0.2 kcal / g (Legal EU/US: 0.0 kcal / g) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
35 (Maltitol powder) / 52 (Maltitol syrup) | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin levels) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Sugar-free chocolates, sugar-free gummy bears, baked bars, chewing gum | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Cornstarch origin), Halal, Kosher, Non-cariogenic | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1444) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |