E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
E967 (Xylitol) is a five-carbon polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of xylose from birch wood or corn cobs. INS 967, ADI is Not Specified, offering 100% 1:1 sugar sweetness, a cooling endothermic mouthfeel, and active inhibition of Streptococcus mutans cavity bacteria.
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
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E967 | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 967 | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Bulk Sweetener, Anti-Cariogenic Dental Agent, Humectant | Non-Nutritive Bulk Sweetener, Flavor Enhancer, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Toxic to dogs warning) | Not Specified (Highest digestive tolerance among all polyols: 0.66–0.80 g/kg bw) |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
100% Sucrose (Exact 1:1 sweetness match) | 70% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
2.4 kcal / g (40% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g | 0.2 kcal / g (Legal EU/US: 0.0 kcal / g) kcal/g |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Dental chewing gums (Orbit/Trident), sugar-free mints, toothpastes, diabetic baking | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Vegan (Plant birch/corn source), Halal, Kosher, High Canine Toxicity Warning | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.395) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |
|
Heat of Solution (Cooling)
|
-36.5 cal/g (Strong refreshing cooling mouth sensation) cal/g | — |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin levels) |