E421: Mannitol
Main role: sweetening and bulking
Also listed as: D-mannitol
What is E421 (Mannitol)?
Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used to supply sweetness and bulk. It behaves differently from ordinary sugar during digestion and is also selected for texture and handling properties in suitable products.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is sweetening and bulking. Sweeteners differ in intensity, bulk, and processing behavior. Intense sweeteners often need other ingredients to replace sugar’s volume. A sweetener declaration therefore does not tell you the complete carbohydrate or calorie content.
Food and formulation examples
- Sugar-free chewing gum
- Confectionery
- Food supplement tablets
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E421, E 421, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include D-mannitol. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Large quantities of polyols can cause digestive discomfort or a laxative effect. A sugar-free claim does not mean that unlimited servings will be well tolerated.
Is E421 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E421 as Mannitol. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.