E968 – Erythritol

Description

Technical Description: Erythritol (E968) is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used as a bulk sweetener and flavor enhancer. It is naturally occurring, but commercially produced through the fermentation of glucose by yeast (e.g., Moniliella pollinis or Yarrowia lipolytica). It has a sweetness intensity of about 60-80% of sucrose, a low caloric value (0.2 kcal/g, though often classified as zero-calorie for labeling purposes in some regions), and a high digestive tolerance due to its rapid absorption in the small intestine and subsequent excretion primarily unmetabolized in the urine. It exhibits a pleasant, non-caramelized sweetness profile and a significant cooling effect (negative heat of solution). It is chemically characterized by the formula C4H10O4.