Maltitol

Other names Maltitol syrup, E965
Maltitol: high in FODMAPs and sorbitol; low in nickel. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- FODMAPsHigh
Maltitol is the polyol chosen to replace sugar in sugar-free chocolate, because it melts and tastes close to sucrose. About half of it is absorbed and half reaches the colon - which is why a sugar-free bar has a reputation the manufacturers would rather it did not.
Sources· 2
- Lenhart A. & Chey W.D., Adv Nutr 8 (2017) 587-596, systematic review of the effects of polyols
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annexes II and V, the authorised additives and their conditions of use
- SorbitolFODMAPsHigh
Maltitol is a polyol, and the one used to replace sugar in "sugar-free" chocolate. It behaves like sorbitol in the gut, so a sorbitol profile flags it even though the name differs.
Sources· 2
- Lenhart A. & Chey W.D., Adv Nutr 8 (2017) 587-596, a systematic review of 79 studies on the effects of polyols
- Zumbé A et al., Br J Nutr 85 Suppl. 1 (2001) S31-45, polyols in confectionery
- NickelLow
Maltitol carries a trace of nickel for a reason written into the law that governs it. E 965 is made by CATALYTIC HYDROGENATION and the catalyst is nickel - the regulation says so in its own text - so its purity criteria carry a nickel limit. That is a legal CEILING and not a content: what a given batch actually holds is not published, and the exact figure for this one is not quoted. But a ceiling exists because a trace is expected.
Sources· 1
- Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, purity criteria per additive — nickel specified for the hydrogenated polyols
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)None
- TyramineNone
- SalicylateNone
- SucroseNone
- LactoseFODMAPsNone
- OligosaccharidesFODMAPsNone
- FructoseFODMAPsNone
- OxalatesNone
- GlutenNo
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
React to FODMAPs? Check these too
More in Sweeteners
Acesulfame K
Advantame
Agave syrup
Alitame
Aspartame
Aspartame Acesulfame salt
Brown rice syrup
Brown sugar
Cane sugar
Coconut sugar
Cyclamic acid
Dextrose
Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does Maltitol affect?
Maltitol is notable for FODMAPs, sorbitol and nickel. Clear on histamine, tyramine, salicylate, sucrose, lactose, oligosaccharides, fructose, oxalates and gluten.
Does Maltitol contain FODMAPs?
Yes — Maltitol is high in FODMAPs. Maltitol is the polyol chosen to replace sugar in sugar-free chocolate, because it melts and tastes close to sucrose. About half of it is absorbed and half reaches the colon - which is why a sugar-free bar has a reputation the manufacturers would rather it did not.
Does Maltitol contain sorbitol?
Yes — Maltitol is high in sorbitol. Maltitol is a polyol, and the one used to replace sugar in "sugar-free" chocolate. It behaves like sorbitol in the gut, so a sorbitol profile flags it even though the name differs.
Does Maltitol contain nickel?
Maltitol contains only low levels of nickel. Maltitol carries a trace of nickel for a reason written into the law that governs it. E 965 is made by CATALYTIC HYDROGENATION and the catalyst is nickel - the regulation says so in its own text - so its purity criteria carry a nickel limit. That is a legal CEILING and not a content: what a given batch actually holds is not published, and the exact figure for this one is not quoted. But a ceiling exists because a trace is expected. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.
Check any product in seconds
Scan a barcode with the Yllo app and see straight away whether a product fits your intolerances.







