Back to catalogSafety
E953SweetenerLow concern
Isomalt
In plain words
The short version
A sugar alcohol about half as sweet as sucrose — dominant in sugar-free hard candy and pulled-sugar work.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
No ADI specified. Considered safe at typical levels. Like other polyols, can cause osmotic GI upset at high doses (above 30–50 g). EU laxative warning required above defined levels.
The detail
Developed in Germany in the 1980s by enzymatic conversion of sucrose to isomaltulose followed by hydrogenation. The unique sucrose-derived structure gives crystallization and mouth-feel behavior very close to sucrose itself.
The dominant sugar alcohol in sugar-free hard candy, lozenges, and pulled sugar work — it does not brown easily and produces glass-like clarity. Used in chocolate, baked goods, and pharmaceuticals. About 50% as sweet as sucrose.
White crystalline powder, very soluble in water. High thermal stability — does not caramelize or brown under typical confectionery temperatures. Low hygroscopicity makes it ideal for hard candy.
Permitted globally without strict upper limits.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Isomalt / hydrogenated isomaltulose (INS 953), ADI 'not specified' (29th meeting, 1985) — WHO / Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 1985. No ADI specified
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, consolidated text of 18 August 2026 (Annex II, Group IV polyols) — European Union (Publications Office), 2026. EU: permitted at quantum satis (no numerical limit) in listed, mostly energy-reduced or no-added-sugar foods
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, Annex III point 2.4 (polyol laxative warning) — European Union (Publications Office), 2011. EU laxative warning required above defined levels (more than 10% added polyols)
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.