Is E966 halal?

What is E966?

Lactitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) made from lactose, the natural sugar in milk. Lactose, usually obtained from whey, is hydrogenated using a nickel catalyst. It is less sweet than sugar and is used in reduced-sugar foods.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Milk is halal, and turning lactose into lactitol adds no animal or alcohol-based material. A minor catch: lactose comes from whey, a by-product of cheese making, and some strict certifiers also check that the cheese was made with acceptable enzymes.

How to check the label

Usually no check is needed. If you follow a strict standard on whey, a halal certificate from a recognised body confirms the lactose source.

Where you'll find it

• sugar-free chocolate
• sugar-free sweets
• ice cream
• baked goods
• chewing gum

Good to know

• EU specifications state that lactitol is manufactured by catalytic hydrogenation of lactose, with nickel as the catalyst.
• Foods with more than 10% added polyols must carry the EU warning “excessive consumption may produce laxative effects”.

Similar additives

• E420 Sorbitol Generally halal
• E460 Cellulose Generally halal
• E950 Acesulfame K Generally halal
• E951 Aspartame Generally halal
• E955 Sucralose Generally halal
• E960 Steviol glycosides (stevia) 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 additive specifications, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 (E 966)
2. EU labelling rules, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III

Frequently asked questions