Is E967 halal?

What is E967?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) with about the same sweetness as sugar. It is made by hydrogenating xylose, a sugar extracted from plant material such as birch wood or corn cobs. It also occurs naturally in small amounts in some fruits and vegetables.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

It comes from plant fibres and is made by hydrogenation, without animal or alcohol-based ingredients. The term “sugar alcohol” describes its chemical family only; xylitol is not ethanol and does not intoxicate. There is no known halal catch.

How to check the label

No special check is needed for xylitol. Labels may also call it birch sugar or wood sugar; these names describe the same substance.

Where you'll find it

• chewing gum
• sugar-free mints
• sugar-free sweets
• baked goods
• table-top sweeteners

Good to know

• Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts; the US FDA warns owners to keep foods that contain it away from them.
• Foods with more than 10% added polyols must carry the EU warning “excessive consumption may produce laxative effects”.

Similar additives

• E960 Steviol glycosides (stevia) Generally halal
• E100 Curcumin Generally halal
• E153 Vegetable carbon Generally halal
• E160b Annatto Generally halal
• E160c Paprika extract Generally halal
• E162 Beetroot red 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. US FDA: Paws off xylitol, it's toxic to dogs
2. EU labelling rules, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III

Frequently asked questions