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Answer: Sorbitol is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Orbit Gum, Werther's Sugar Free, Russell Stover Sugar Free.
TL;DR: Sorbitol is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called glucitol. (E420) CAS 50-70-4.
Other names: E420, glucitol, D-sorbitol, INS 420
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Orbit Gum, Werther's Sugar Free, Russell Stover Sugar Free, Dentyne Ice, Trident Gum |
| CAS number | 50-70-4 |
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) naturally found in some fruits, including apples, pears, and prunes. Commercially, it is produced by hydrogenation of glucose. It has approximately 60% of the sweetness of sucrose but provides fewer calories (2.6 kcal/g vs 4 kcal/g for sugar) and does not cause a significant immediate insulin response.
Used as a reduced-calorie sweetener in sugar-free gum, diabetic foods, and mints; also acts as a humectant to retain moisture in baked goods and confectionery.
At doses above 20–50 g/day, sorbitol can cause osmotic diarrhea because it is incompletely absorbed in the small intestine and is fermented by colonic bacteria. EU regulations require products containing more than 10% added polyols to carry the label 'excessive consumption may produce laxative effects.' This is well-known and predictable. Sorbitol is not carcinogenic and does not raise blood glucose significantly, making it suitable for diabetics in controlled amounts.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Sorbitolwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Erythritol and xylitol are alternative sugar alcohols. Stevia and monk fruit provide non-caloric sweetening without the laxative threshold concern.
Yes, at doses above ~20–50 g/day it causes osmotic diarrhea. Normal amounts in gum or mints are well below this threshold.
It has a much lower glycemic impact than sugar, making it suitable for diabetics in moderation.
No. Products containing significant amounts must carry a warning about laxative effects, but sorbitol itself is approved as E420.
Naturally occurring in some fruits, but the food-grade version is synthetically produced by hydrogenation of glucose.
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