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E964SweetenerLow concern
Polyglycitol Syrup
In plain words
The short version
A hydrogenated glucose syrup blend — maltitol-rich with sorbitol and longer-chain polyols.
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
ADI not specified — considered safe. Like other polyols, large doses can produce a laxative effect; the higher molecular weight of the longer-chain fraction gives better tolerance than pure sorbitol.
The detail
Produced by hydrogenation of glucose-syrup hydrolysate — the result is a mixture of sorbitol, maltitol, and longer-chain hydrogenated maltodextrins. Composition can be tuned for different sweetness, viscosity, and laxative-tolerance profiles.
Used as a bulk sweetener in sugar-free candies, low-calorie baked goods, and chewing gum where the mixed polyol blend gives better mouthfeel than single polyols. Less laxative per gram than pure sorbitol because of the longer-chain fraction.
Clear viscous syrup. Highly soluble in water. Heat-stable.
Permitted in the EU and most jurisdictions with mandatory laxative-effect labeling.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Polyglycitol syrup, evaluation 1998 — World Health Organization / JECFA, 1998. safety: ADI not specified
- EFSA — Scientific Opinion on the use of polyglycitol syrup as a food additive (2009) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Journal), 2009. safety: digestive (gastric) effects at large doses
- EU — Commission Regulation (EU) No 1049/2012 of 8 November 2012 authorising polyglycitol syrup (E 964) — Publications Office of the European Union (EUR-Lex), 2012. regulation: permitted in the EU
- EU — Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, Annex III point 2.4 (added polyols) — Publications Office of the European Union (EUR-Lex), 2011. regulation: mandatory laxative-effect labelling
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.