INS 420 is sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that tastes about 60 percent as sweet as sugar but provides fewer calories and does not raise blood sugar as sharply. On Indian packs it shows up in sugar-free chewing gum, mints, diabetic-friendly candy, and some toothpaste. It is naturally present in apples, pears, and stone fruits. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
Quick Facts
INS Number
420
E-Number
E420
Category
Sweetener
Veg Status
Vegan
FSSAI Status
Permitted by FSSAI
JECFA ADI
Not specified (1982)
Chemical Name
D-glucitol
What is INS 420?
INS 420 is sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that tastes about 60 percent as sweet as sugar but provides fewer calories and does not raise blood sugar as sharply. On Indian packs it shows up in sugar-free chewing gum, mints, diabetic-friendly candy, and some toothpaste. It is naturally present in apples, pears, and stone fruits.
Why brands add it
Brands use it because sorbitol delivers sweetness and bulk to sugar-free or reduced-sugar products without spiking blood glucose. It also acts as a humectant (keeps things moist), which is why it shows up in chewing gum and soft mints that need to stay pliable. The mandatory 'excessive consumption may cause laxative effect' label declaration is the trade-off.
Where you'll find it
INS 420 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
sugar-free chewing gum and mints
diabetic-friendly candy and chocolate
toothpaste and mouthwash
some baked goods (low-sugar)
fruit fillings (limited)
supplement and pharmaceutical syrups
Veg or non-veg? - Vegan
Sorbitol is produced by hydrogenation of glucose syrup from corn or wheat starch. No animal product is used in its manufacture.
FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a sweetener and humectant for specified food categories with category-specific limits. FSSAI requires the label declaration 'Excess consumption may have laxative effect' on products containing sorbitol above the threshold dose.
JECFA: ADI 'not specified' for sorbitol, established at 26th JECFA (1982). 'Not specified' is JECFA's safest classification. Daily intake above roughly 50 g (varies by individual) can cause loose stools because unabsorbed sorbitol pulls water into the intestine; this is the basis for the FSSAI mandatory label declaration.
Also known as
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 420 is also called:
Vegan. Sorbitol is produced by hydrogenation of glucose syrup from corn or wheat starch. No animal product is used in its manufacture.
Is INS 420 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a sweetener and humectant for specified food categories with category-specific limits. FSSAI requires the label declaration 'Excess consumption may have laxative effect' on products containing sorbitol above the threshold dose.
What is INS 420 used for?+
Brands use it because sorbitol delivers sweetness and bulk to sugar-free or reduced-sugar products without spiking blood glucose. It also acts as a humectant (keeps things moist), which is why it shows up in chewing gum and soft mints that need to stay pliable. The mandatory 'excessive consumption may cause laxative effect' label declaration is the trade-off.
Is INS 420 (also written as E420) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 420 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E420 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (sorbitol).
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.