INS 968 is erythritol, a sugar alcohol (polyol) that tastes about 70% as sweet as sugar but provides almost no calories. On Indian packs it shows up in sugar-free chocolates, keto-friendly snacks, and stevia-blend tabletop sweeteners. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
INS 968 is erythritol, a sugar alcohol (polyol) that tastes about 70% as sweet as sugar but provides almost no calories. On Indian packs it shows up in sugar-free chocolates, keto-friendly snacks, and stevia-blend tabletop sweeteners.
Brands use it because it sweetens without raising blood sugar, has less of the bitter aftertaste that aspartame or sucralose can leave, and is less likely than sorbitol or maltitol to cause gas or laxative effects at modest amounts (large servings can still cause them). Most of it leaves the body unchanged in urine. It is commonly used in keto and diabetic-friendly products.
INS 968 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
Food-grade erythritol is made by fermenting glucose (typically from corn starch) with food-grade yeasts (Moniliella species are the main industrial source per EFSA's 2023 description). No animal product is used in its manufacture.
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI as a sweetener (polyol) under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories.
JECFA: ADI 'not specified' established at the 53rd JECFA (1999), meaning a numerical limit was not considered necessary at expected use levels. JECFA noted that a single dose of 1 g per kg of body weight (about 70 g for a 70 kg adult) showed no laxative effect in humans, a higher threshold than other polyols. EFSA's 2023 re-evaluation later set a numeric ADI of 0.5 g per kg of body weight per day specifically for laxation and electrolyte concerns; total exposure depends on serving size and the rest of the polyol content of the day.
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 968 is also called:
Last verified: 2026-05-12.