What it does
They provide sweetness and can also contribute bulk or texture. A label may use the plural group name, the singular name or maltitol syrup.
Names you may see on the label
maltitol; maltitols; maltitol syrup; E965; E 965
Where it showed up in our published study
In the published 10 October 2026 snapshot, maltitol appeared in protein bars and snacks (5).
Counts are per record and do not measure Irish sales or the whole market.
Label rules
For a food containing maltitol, the authorised-sweetener rule requires the statement with sweetener(s)
with the name of the food.
Where a food contains more than 10% added polyols, the mandatory statement is excessive consumption may produce laxative effects
.
The rule shown for maltitol comes from Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Article 21 and/or Annex III as applicable: official EUR-Lex text (checked 24 October 2026).
FoodSussed processing Level
FoodSussed treats declared maltitols as one processing marker. It checks the rest of the list before estimating a Level.
Health and safety disclaimer
This page makes no health or safety verdict. EU authorisation is conditional by food category and may include limits or other restrictions; it is not unlimited permission in every food.
One permitted-use example
The EU list permits Group IV polyols, which includes maltitols, in energy-reduced or no-added-sugar cocoa and chocolate products.
The E965 example links to an official EUR-Lex permitted-use source checked 24 October 2026. The European Commission food-additives database was checked on the same date for maltitol.
Questions people ask
How can I recognise maltitol on a food label?
Maltitols may be declared as maltitol; maltitols; maltitol syrup; E965; E 965, including the number E965.
Where did maltitol appear in the published study?
The largest published product-type group for maltitol was protein bars and snacks (5 of 5 matched records).
Sources
- European Commission food-additives database (checked 24 October 2026)
- EU permitted-use source for the example above (checked 24 October 2026)
- Published 10 October study JSON used for the maltitol product-type counts