E966: Lactitol
Main role: sweetening and bulking
Also listed as: lactitol monohydrate
What is E966 (Lactitol)?
Lactitol is a sugar alcohol produced from lactose. It supplies bulk and sweetness in suitable foods, while its digestion differs from that of ordinary sugars.
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-reduced confectionery
- Bakery preparations
- Desserts
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 E966, E 966, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include lactitol monohydrate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Lactitol and lactose are distinct ingredients, but milk-derived sourcing can still matter for dietary requirements. Follow the finished product's allergen declaration and seek clarification when needed.
Is E966 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 E966 as Lactitol. 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.