E967

E967 is a food additive approved by the EU (European Union). It is used as a synthetic sweetener in food and drink products.

The common name for E967 is xylitol.

E967 is a carbohydrate alcohol derived from corn, raspberries, lettuce and plums. However, when used on an industrial scale, E967 is more usually taken from xylan in wood pulp.

E967 has a lower calorie content than sugar and is therefore used in diet food products. Most ingested E967 is absorbed and metabolised as glucose in the body, while the remainder undergoes fermentation in the large intestine.

E967 has been known to cause kidney stones. Gases produced from fermentation in the large intestine may cause flatulence and bloating. Nevertheless, xylitol is generally considered to be a safe additive.

Examples of food and drink products that sometimes include E967:

• chewing gum
• ice-cream
• jam
• bakery products

Note⁽¹⁾ The list of Food Additives (E Numbers) included in this section is subject to change as chemicals are added or removed by regulatory authorities. This list may not be complete or and some details might not be up to date.

Note⁽²⁾ These numbers are also used in Australia and New Zealand but without the E.

Government approvals and other regulatory details are subject to change.

Regulatory approvals and advice can change.

This was added in July 2008. For current details please check with the relevant authorities.