← Back
SweetenerINS 421
E421
Mannitol
What you need to know
Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie bulk sweetener and dusting agent, often in chewing gum.
Like other polyols it is tooth-friendly.
In large amounts it can cause bloating and a laxative effect, which must be flagged on the label.
Where it stands, by region
The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.
| 🇦🇺AU / NZ | Approved Permitted (FSANZ Food Standards Code). |
| 🇪🇺EU | Approved Permitted (EFSA). |
| 🇺🇸US | Approved Permitted (FDA). |
| 🇨🇦CA | Approved Permitted (Health Canada). |
Health evidence
How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.
Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Unknown
Gut microbiome
Laxative effect in excess
Suspected
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown
A hexitol polyol. JECFA ADI 'not specified'. Mandatory laxative-effect labelling.
Synthesis: Synthetic (sugar-derived)ADI Not specified (acceptable)