E965 Maltitol

E965SweetenersOrigin: 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

KetoNo

It raises blood sugar far more than other sugar alcohols (GI about 35, higher for maltitol syrup). "Net carb" counts that subtract it fully are misleading.

Full answer ›

Low-FODMAPNo

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

The short answer

Maltitol (E965) is a sugar alcohol that tastes almost exactly like sugar, which is why it's in so much "sugar-free" chocolate. It still raises blood sugar noticeably, so it isn't a good fit for keto, and it's one of the sugar alcohols most likely to cause gas and diarrhea.

62/100

Use in moderation

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

E-numberE965

Comes fromPlant

What it doesSweeteners

Glycemic index35

Daily limitNot set

Also calledMaltitol, Maltitol syrup

Want sugar-free sweets without maltitol?

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Chocolate sweetened with stevia or erythritol

Sugar-free bars that skip maltitol's blood sugar bump.

Shop maltitol-free chocolate Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean grocery swap

Allulose-sweetened candy

Gummies and caramels that are easier on the gut.

Shop allulose candy Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry swap

Sugar-free chocolate chips

For keto baking without maltitol.

Shop chocolate chips Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionWarning label required

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

GRAS in the US. 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?

Maltitol is about 90% as sweet as sugar with roughly half the calories. A good part of it is digested into glucose, and the rest ferments in the gut.

Where it comes from: Made by adding hydrogen to maltose, a sugar broken down from corn or wheat starch.

Why it’s in food

Replaces sugar in chocolate with a near-identical taste
Adds bulk and creaminess
Lets products claim "sugar-free" or "no sugar added"

Often found in

Sugar-free chocolateSugar-free candyLow-sugar protein barsSugar-free cookiesSugar-free syrups

Also listed as: Maltitol, Maltitol syrup, Hydrogenated maltose, Sugar alcohol

Health & gut impact

Blood sugarConcern

Has the highest glycemic index of the common sugar alcohols, so it does raise blood sugar and insulin.

Livesey, Nutrition Research Reviews (2003)

DigestionConcern

Large amounts cause bloating, gas and diarrhea; EU labels must warn about it.

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III

What can I use instead?

Erythritol

Ratio: 1.3:1

Best for: Keto chocolate and baking

Allulose

Ratio: 1.3:1

Best for: Caramel and soft candy

Is it keto-friendly?

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 moderation AlluloseAllulose 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 safe Aspartame 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 moderation Erythritol 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 Maltitol safe?

Use in moderation (62/100). GRAS in the US. 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 Maltitol vegan?

Yes.

Is Maltitol gluten-free?

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

Is maltitol keto-friendly?

Not really. Its glycemic index is around 35 (higher for maltitol syrup), so it raises blood sugar noticeably. Erythritol and allulose are much better keto choices.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E965
Livesey, Nutrition Research Reviews (2003)
Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 965 · CAS 585-88-6