Comparing E420 - Sorbitol vs E968 - Erythritol
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 5,351 products
Found in 2,409 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is sorbitol safe for dogs?
Sorbitol isn’t toxic to dogs (unlike xylitol), and small amounts in pet products are generally safe, but larger amounts can cause gas and diarrhea. Avoid giving it in large quantities and monitor for gastrointestinal upset.
Is sorbitol bad for you?
No—sorbitol (E420) is considered safe at typical food levels, but excess intake can cause bloating and a laxative effect. People with IBS or FODMAP sensitivity may react at lower amounts.
Can dogs have sorbitol?
Yes, in small amounts, but it can act as a laxative in dogs if they eat too much. Don’t confuse it with xylitol, which is dangerous to dogs.
Is sorbitol bad for dogs?
It isn’t inherently harmful or toxic, but dogs may develop diarrhea and gas if they consume large amounts. Keep portions small and avoid high-polyol treats.
Is sorbitol toxic to dogs?
No—unlike xylitol, sorbitol (E420) is not considered highly toxic to dogs and is even used in some pet products; however, large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea due to its laxative effect. If a dog consumes a lot or shows persistent vomiting/diarrhea, contact a veterinarian to prevent dehydration.
Is erythritol bad for you?
No—regulators (e.g., FDA, EFSA) consider erythritol safe at typical food-use levels, and it doesn’t raise blood sugar or cause tooth decay. Large amounts can cause digestive upset, and a recent observational study linked high blood erythritol levels with cardiovascular risk, but causation hasn’t been shown.
What are the dangers of erythritol?
The main concern is gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating, diarrhea) when large amounts are consumed; in the EU, polyol-containing foods may carry a laxative-effect warning. An observational study has linked high circulating erythritol with cardiovascular events, but evidence is not conclusive and guidance has not changed.
Is erythritol safe?
Yes—it's authorized in the EU (E968) and considered GRAS in the U.S., with no safety concern at reported uses. Some people may experience digestive upset if they consume a lot at once.
What is erythritol made from?
It’s typically produced by fermenting glucose (often from corn or wheat starch) with yeast-like microorganisms (e.g., Moniliella), then purified and crystallized.
Does erythritol raise blood sugar?
No—erythritol has little to no effect on blood glucose or insulin and is largely excreted unchanged.