E965: Maltitol

What is E965 (Maltitol)?

Maltitol (E965) is a sugar alcohol (polyol) that serves as a reduced-calorie sweetener and bulking agent in many food products. With approximately 90% of the sweetness of sucrose (table sugar) but fewer calories, maltitol has become a popular ingredient in sugar-free and reduced-calorie foods. Its taste profile closely resembles that of sugar, without the cooling effect found in some other sugar alcohols. Maltitol is commonly used in products marketed to people with diabetes and those concerned about dental health.

Source and Production

Maltitol is produced through a two-step process:

Source material: Derived from maltose, which is obtained from starch (typically corn, wheat, or potato)
Production process:
- Hydrolysis of starch to produce maltose
- Catalytic hydrogenation of maltose to convert it to maltitol
- Purification and crystallization 3. Commercial forms:
- Crystalline maltitol (powder)
- Maltitol syrup (liquid form with varying concentrations)
- Maltitol solution

Though derived from natural starches, the production involves significant processing.

Common Uses in Food

E965 is used in a wide variety of food products, including:

Sugar-free chocolates and confectionery
Hard and soft candies
Chewing gum
Ice cream and frozen desserts
Baked goods
Jams and preserves
Reduced-calorie syrups
Pharmaceutical products (coatings, fillers)
Oral care products
Diabetic specialty foods

Functional Properties in Food

Maltitol offers several valuable functional properties:

Sweetness: Provides 90% of the sweetness of sugar
Bulking: Contributes volume and texture similar to sugar
Mouthfeel: Creates a creamy, smooth texture in many applications
Humectancy: Retains moisture, extending product freshness
Heat stability: Withstands baking and cooking processes
Non-crystallizing: Prevents crystallization in certain applications
Cooling effect: Minimal cooling sensation compared to other sugar alcohols

Health and Safety

Safety Assessment

Maltitol has been evaluated by various regulatory bodies:

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

No specific ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) has been established as no safety concerns were identified, though excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal effects.

Nutritional Properties

Maltitol has several nutritional characteristics:

Caloric value: Provides approximately 2.1-2.4 calories per gram (compared to 4 for sugar)
Glycemic index: Lower glycemic index (35-52) than sugar (65), but higher than some other sugar alcohols
Dental health: Non-cariogenic (does not promote tooth decay)
Insulin response: Triggers a lower insulin response than sugar

Safety Considerations

While generally recognized as safe, some considerations include:

Gastrointestinal effects: Consumption of large amounts (typically >20g) may cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea
Laxative effect: May have a laxative effect in sensitive individuals or at high doses
Individual tolerance: Significant variation in individual tolerance levels
Adaptation: Some adaptation may occur with regular consumption
Diabetes considerations: While better than sugar, still affects blood glucose levels to some degree

Regulatory Status

E965 (Maltitol) is approved for use in most countries worldwide:

European Union: Approved as E965 for use in many applications
United States: FDA approved as a food additive, GRAS status
Australia/New Zealand: Approved as food additive 965
Canada: Permitted as a food additive in various applications
Japan: Approved as a food additive

Most jurisdictions require foods that may contain more than 10% added polyols to carry a statement about potential laxative effects.

Consumer Information

Consumers may find maltitol on labels under various names:

E965
Maltitol
Maltitol syrup
Hydrogenated maltose
"Sugar alcohol" (general category name)

Products containing significant amounts of maltitol often carry warnings about potential laxative effects.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

Tastes very similar to sugar
Provides bulk and texture similar to sugar
Lower calorie content than sugar
Doesn't promote tooth decay
Suitable for diabetic diets (with moderation)

Limitations:

Potential digestive discomfort when consumed in large amounts
Not zero-calorie (unlike some artificial sweeteners)
Does have some impact on blood glucose levels
Higher cost than sugar

Alternatives to E965

For those looking to avoid maltitol, alternative sweeteners include:

Other sugar alcohols:
- Erythritol (E968) - better tolerated digestively
- Xylitol (E967) - similar sweetness to sugar
- Sorbitol (E420) - less sweet than maltitol
- Isomalt (E953) - less sweet than maltitol
High-intensity sweeteners:
- Stevia (E960)
- Sucralose (E955)
- Aspartame (E951)
Natural sweeteners:
- Sugar for those without dietary restrictions
- Honey, maple syrup (nutritive sweeteners)

Special Considerations

Several populations should be particularly aware of maltitol consumption:

IBS sufferers: May trigger symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome
FODMAP-sensitive individuals: Maltitol is a high-FODMAP ingredient
Children: More susceptible to laxative effects due to smaller body weight
Diabetics: While better than sugar, still affects blood glucose levels

Conclusion

E965 (Maltitol) is a versatile sweetener and bulking agent with relatively low health concerns for most people when consumed in moderate amounts. Its main advantages include a sugar-like taste, texture, and appearance, making it particularly valuable in confectionery and baked goods where these characteristics are important. The low toxicity rating of 2 primarily reflects its potential to cause gastrointestinal discomfort when consumed in larger quantities rather than any significant toxicity concerns. For most consumers, maltitol represents a reasonable option for reducing sugar and calorie intake, though those with specific digestive sensitivities may wish to limit consumption or choose alternatives.