E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness)

Direct Answer

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.

Source: Codex Alimentarius / EFSA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E965
INS / Codex Number	INS 965(i) (Powder) / 965(ii) (Syrup)
Functional Class	Bulk Sweetener, Humectant, Texturizer
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Laxative warning required)
Relative Sweetness Index	90% Sucrose
Caloric Value	2.1 kcal / g (47% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g
Glycemic Index (GI)	35 (Maltitol powder) / 52 (Maltitol syrup)
Common Target Foods	Sugar-free chocolates, sugar-free gummy bears, baked bars, chewing gum
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Cornstarch origin), Halal, Kosher, Non-cariogenic
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1444)

Why Maltitol Dominates Sugar-Free Chocolate

Maltitol has near-identical bulk density, melting curve, and mouthfeel to sucrose without the cooling effect many other polyols exhibit, which is why it's the polyol most commonly used to process smoothly through standard chocolate conching machinery.