Is sorbitol (E420) halal?

What is E420?

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) that is about 60 percent as sweet as sugar. It is made by hydrogenating glucose, usually from maize or tapioca starch, with hydrogen and a metal catalyst. E420 (i) is the pure, crystalline form and E420 (ii) is sorbitol syrup.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Sorbitol is made from plant starch sugars by a chemical hydrogenation step, with no animal input. Despite the name, a “sugar alcohol” is not alcohol in the drinking sense; it is only a chemical term. That is why sorbitol is generally regarded as halal.

How to check the label

No special check is needed. Note that “sugar alcohol” or “polyol” on a label does not mean the product contains ethanol.

Where you'll find it

• sugar-free chewing gum
• sugar-free sweets
• sugar-free chocolate
• cakes and pastries

Good to know

• EU labelling rules require foods with more than 10% added polyols, such as sorbitol, to state “excessive consumption may produce laxative effects”.
• Sorbitol occurs naturally in fruits such as plums, pears and apples.

Similar additives

• E965 Maltitol Generally halal
• E1422 Acetylated distarch adipate Generally halal
• E1442 Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate Generally halal
• E950 Acesulfame K Generally halal
• E951 Aspartame Generally halal
• E955 Sucralose Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EU food labelling, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III
2. EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
3. US 21 CFR 184.1835, sorbitol

Frequently asked questions