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E968 Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a bulk sweetener, humectant-support ingredient, and flavor balancing component in sugar-free and reduced-sugar foods and beverages, and E968 Erythritol is valued for very low calories and excellent digestive tolerance compared with many other polyols.
E968 Erythritol provides mild sweetness and a noticeable cooling effect, and E968 Erythritol is commonly blended with high-intensity sweeteners such as steviol glycosides or sucralose to create a more sugar-like sweetness profile while supplying bulk.
E968 Erythritol is typically produced by fermentation of sugars followed by purification and crystallization, and E968 Erythritol performance depends on purity, particle size, and processing conditions.
CAS Number: 149-32-6
EC Number: 205-737-3
Molecular Formula: C4H10O4
Molecular Weight: 122.12 g/mol
Synonyms: E968 Erythritol, Erythritol, Erythritol Powder, Erythritol Crystalline, Erythritol Sweetener, Erythritol Sugar Alcohol, Erythritol Bulking Agent, Sweetener E968, E968, Erythritol Food Additive, Erythritol for Stevia Blends, Erythritol Zero Calorie Polyol, E968 Erythritol, Erythritol, 1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol, Butane-1,2,3,4-Tetrol, Meso-Erythritol, Meso-1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol, Tetrahydroxybutane, Erythrite, Phycite, Erythrol, Erythritol Sweetener, Erythritol Food Additive, Erythritol Food Grade, Erythritol Technical Grade, Erythritol Pharmaceutical Grade, Erythritol USP, Erythritol FCC, Erythritol EP, Erythritol JP, Erythritol Powder, Erythritol Crystalline Powder, Erythritol White Powder, Erythritol Granular, Erythritol Fine Granules, Erythritol Sweetening Agent, Erythritol Bulk Sweetener, Erythritol Sugar Substitute, Erythritol Sugar Replacer, Erythritol Low-Calorie Sweetener, Erythritol Low Calorie Sweetener, Erythritol Zero-Calorie Sweetener, Erythritol Zero Calorie Sweetener, Erythritol Non-Nutritive Sweetener, Erythritol Non Nutritive Sweetener, Erythritol Polyol, Erythritol Polyhydric Alcohol, Erythritol Sugar Alcohol, Erythritol Natural Sweetener, Erythritol Fermentation Sweetener, Erythritol Fermented Sweetener, Erythritol Crystalline Sweetener
APPLICATIONS
E968 Erythritol is used in tabletop sweetener blends with steviol glycosides to provide bulk and improve sweetness quality in sugar-free products.
E968 Erythritol is incorporated into sweetener packets and granulated sugar replacements to provide sugar-like volume and pourability.
E968 Erythritol is used in liquid sweetener systems as part of blends to support taste and mouthfeel.
E968 Erythritol is used in sugar-free chewing gum to provide bulk sweetness, cooling effect, and pleasant mouthfeel.
E968 Erythritol is incorporated into gum coatings to provide crunch and stable sweetness.
E968 Erythritol is used in sugar-free mints and lozenges to deliver clean sweetness and strong cooling sensation.
E968 Erythritol is used in sugar-free and reduced-sugar candies to provide bulk and to support crystallization control in compatible formulations.
E968 Erythritol is incorporated into hard candies and boiled sweets to improve stability and reduce stickiness when properly formulated.
E968 Erythritol is used in chocolate and chocolate-like products as a bulking sweetener in sugar-free designs, often in combination with other polyols.
E968 Erythritol is used in beverages to provide sweetness and mouthfeel in reduced-sugar formulations, especially when combined with high-intensity sweeteners.
E968 Erythritol is incorporated into flavored waters and drink powders to support sweetness and improve taste profile.
E968 Erythritol is used in beverage syrups and concentrates to provide sweetness support and reduce sugar content.
E968 Erythritol is used in baked goods to replace part of the sugar and provide bulk, but E968 Erythritol requires formulation adjustment because E968 Erythritol does not provide the same browning and humectancy as sucrose.
E968 Erythritol is incorporated into cookies and cakes to reduce sugar while maintaining sweetness and volume in compatible recipes.
E968 Erythritol is used in frostings and icings to provide sweetness and reduce sugar content with a clean taste.
E968 Erythritol is used in dairy products such as yogurt and dairy desserts to reduce sugar while maintaining sweetness.
E968 Erythritol is incorporated into ice cream and frozen desserts to improve sweetness and control freezing point in reduced-sugar formulations.
E968 Erythritol is used in protein shakes and meal replacement products to support sweetness and reduce sugar content.
E968 Erythritol is used in oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash to provide sweetness without sugar.
E968 Erythritol is incorporated into supplements and nutraceuticals to improve taste and mouthfeel in reduced-sugar formats.
E968 Erythritol is valued because E968 Erythritol provides low-calorie bulk sweetness with good digestive tolerance and works especially well in sweetener blends for sugar reduction.
DESCRIPTION
E968 Erythritol is a four-carbon polyol that is absorbed in the small intestine and largely excreted unchanged, and this absorption profile contributes to better digestive tolerance compared with many other sugar alcohols.
E968 Erythritol provides about 60–70% of the sweetness of sucrose, and E968 Erythritol is frequently combined with high-intensity sweeteners to achieve sugar-like sweetness while supplying bulk.
E968 Erythritol produces a cooling sensation due to endothermic dissolution, and this cooling effect can be desirable in mints but may require balancing in baked goods and beverages.
E968 Erythritol does not promote tooth decay because oral bacteria do not ferment erythritol to acids, and this makes E968 Erythritol suitable for oral care and sugar-free confectionery.
E968 Erythritol has limited solubility compared with some other polyols, and crystallization behavior must be managed in syrups and confectionery to avoid graininess.
E968 Erythritol should be used according to applicable food additive regulations and good manufacturing practices for the target market.
E968 Erythritol is typically supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules, and particle size selection affects dissolution rate, dusting, and mouthfeel.
E968 Erythritol should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture pickup and caking.
E968 Erythritol should be handled with good hygiene and dust control practices during bulk powder processing.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C4H10O4
Molecular Weight: 122.12 g/mol
Common Name: E968 Erythritol
Chemical Type: Polyol (sugar alcohol); bulk sweetener
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Mild sweetness with noticeable cooling effect
Sweetness Intensity: Approximately 60–70% of sucrose (application dependent)
Solubility: Soluble in water (moderate; temperature dependent)
Melting Point: ~118–122°C (typical)
Hygroscopicity: Low; good storage stability
Stability: Stable under normal storage and typical food processing conditions
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed, dry
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during powder handling.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs.
Large intakes may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals even though tolerance is generally better than many polyols.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses for bulk handling.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Maintain good hygiene and clean-up practices in handling areas.
Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust where dust may be generated during powder transfer.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from moisture to prevent caking and maintain free-flowing behavior.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep up spilled powder and avoid dust generation.
Collect into suitable containers for reuse or disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues to prevent slip hazards if powder becomes wet.
Handling Precautions:
Balance cooling effect and crystallization control because E968 Erythritol can create cooling sensation and may crystallize in certain syrups and confections.
Use blending strategies with high-intensity sweeteners to achieve sugar-like sweetness because E968 Erythritol is less sweet than sucrose.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable performance.
