My diet:

E420 Sorbitol

E420SweetenersOrigin: Plant
Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes
Gluten-freeYes

Even when made from wheat starch, it's purified and contains no gluten.

HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoDepends

Low blood sugar impact, but only partly absorbed. Most people count about half its grams as carbs.

Low-FODMAPNo

Sorbitol is a polyol and high-FODMAP. Avoid it in the elimination phase.

The short answer
Sorbitol (E420) is a sugar alcohol with about 60% of sugar's sweetness and fewer calories. It's safe in normal amounts, but it's not low-FODMAP, and large servings can cause gas or diarrhea.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE420
Comes fromPlant
What it doesSweeteners
Glycemic index9
Daily limitNot set
Also calledSorbitol, Sorbitol syrup

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionWarning label required
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

GRAS in the US; if a food could lead you to eat 50 g a day, its label must say excess may have a laxative effect. In the EU, foods with more than 10% added polyols must carry the warning "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects." No daily limit has been set.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol your gut absorbs only slowly and partly. What isn't absorbed pulls water into the bowel and feeds gut bacteria, which is why it's a mild laxative.

Where it comes from: Made by adding hydrogen to glucose from corn or wheat starch. It also occurs naturally in apples, pears and prunes.

Why it’s in food

  • Sweetens sugar-free products
  • Keeps foods moist and soft
  • Adds bulk and a cool taste

Often found in

Sugar-free gum and mintsSugar-free candyToothpasteDiabetic chocolateBaked goods

Also listed as: Sorbitol, Sorbitol syrup, D-glucitol, Glucitol, Sugar alcohol

Health & gut impact

DigestionConcern

Large amounts cause bloating, gas and diarrhea, which is why labels may warn of a laxative effect.

FDA 21 CFR 184.1835

TeethBenefit

Unlike sugar, it doesn't feed the mouth bacteria that cause cavities.

EFSA health claims opinion on sugar replacers (2011)

What can I use instead?

Erythritol

Ratio: 1:1

Best for: Gentler on the gut

Allulose

Ratio: 1:1

Best for: Baking

Related

More sweeteners:

Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) E950Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, E950) is a zero-calorie sweetener approved in the US, EU and Canada. EFSA re-checked it in 2025 and raised its daily limit. It's usually paired with sucralose or aspartame to hide a slightly bitter aftertaste.Use in moderationAlluloseAllulose is a "rare sugar" that tastes like sugar but has almost no calories and doesn't raise blood sugar. It's keto-friendly and browns like real sugar in baking.Generally safeAspartame E951Aspartame (E951) is a zero-calorie sweetener in diet soda. It's approved, but WHO's cancer agency called it "possibly carcinogenic" in 2023, and people with PKU must avoid it.Use in moderationErythritol E968Erythritol (E968) is a zero-calorie sugar alcohol popular in keto foods. A 2023 study linked high blood levels to heart risk, and large amounts can upset your stomach.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Sorbitol safe?

Use in moderation (72/100). GRAS in the US; if a food could lead you to eat 50 g a day, its label must say excess may have a laxative effect. In the EU, foods with more than 10% added polyols must carry the warning "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects." No daily limit has been set.

Is Sorbitol vegan?

Yes.

Is Sorbitol gluten-free?

Yes. Even when made from wheat starch, it's purified and contains no gluten.

Why does sugar-free candy upset my stomach?

It's often sweetened with sorbitol or maltitol. Your gut absorbs only part of them, and the rest draws in water and ferments, causing gas or diarrhea.

Spotted a mistake on this page? Report it ›

Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1835 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E420
  • FDA 21 CFR 184.1835
  • EFSA health claims opinion on sugar replacers (2011)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 420 · CAS 50-70-4