Sweetener · CAS 149-32-6 · EU E968
Erythritol
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Erythritol is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #104 of 417.
- #104 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Erythritol is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #104 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (75th percentile).
- 3/5
- Mixed Evidence
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #104 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Erythritol: 208 tracked U.S. products (common band, #104 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 208 · #104 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E968 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 149-32-6 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Sweetener | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Erythritol?
Sugar alcohol with nearly zero calories.
Health Concerns
- 2023 study linked high blood levels to cardiovascular events. FDA considers safe.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (208 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 208
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erythritol safe to consume?
Erythritol scores 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (208 tracked products, #104 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Erythritol used for in food?
Erythritol shows up as Keto products, protein bars, beverages in the Sweetener class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (208 products).
Where does Erythritol sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #104 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Erythritol?
The FDA classifies Erythritol as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E968). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Erythritol?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Erythritol: 2023 study linked high blood levels to cardiovascular events. FDA considers safe.. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.