How is erythritol listed on food labels?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), erythritol falls under the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) category, which means manufacturers aren't required to list it individually on the Nutrition Facts panel. This can make it tricky to discern how is erythritol listed on food labels, requiring a deeper look into the ingredients list and nutritional information.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the complexities of identifying erythritol on ingredient lists and nutrition facts labels, highlighting the importance of looking for specific ingredient names, brand names, and the category 'sugar alcohols' to correctly interpret product contents. It provides tips for recognizing common claims and product types that often contain this low-calorie sweetener.

Key Points

Ingredient List is Key: Always check the product's ingredient list, as erythritol may be listed by name.
Look for 'Sugar Alcohols': If not named individually, erythritol is often included within the 'sugar alcohols' or 'polyols' subcategory on the ingredients list and Nutrition Facts panel.
Not Always on Nutrition Panel: In the U.S., erythritol isn't required to be individually itemized on the Nutrition Facts panel due to its GRAS status.
Check for Brand Names: Products using branded sweetener blends like Swerve may contain erythritol.
Recognize Marketing Claims: Phrases such as "keto-friendly," "sugar-free," and "low-carb" can indicate the presence of erythritol.
Global Labeling Differences: Labeling regulations vary by country; for example, the EU requires the use of the identifying E-number E968.
Total Carbohydrates may be higher: The sugar alcohol count on the nutrition label contributes to the overall total carbohydrate count.

Decoding the Ingredients List

To find erythritol, your first and most reliable step is to scrutinize the ingredient list, not just the nutrition facts panel. Due to its Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the U.S., its presence is not always a given on the standard nutritional panel. Here's what to look for:

Look for its name directly: Many manufacturers will list "erythritol" by name, especially as more consumers seek out specific ingredients.
Check for brand names: Erythritol is a component of some popular sweetener blends, such as Swerve and Zerose. If you see these brand names, the product likely contains erythritol.
Find the 'sugar alcohol' category: When erythritol is not listed individually, it may be included under the broader category of "sugar alcohols" or "polyols". This is the most common and least specific way it is listed, often grouped with other sugar alcohols like sorbitol, xylitol, and maltitol.

Understanding the Nutrition Facts Panel

While the Nutrition Facts panel doesn't always specify erythritol, it can offer clues. The "Total Carbohydrates" section may include a subsection for "Sugar Alcohols". However, this number represents the total of all sugar alcohols present, so it won't tell you the specific amount of erythritol.

Comparing Erythritol Labeling Across Regions

Nutritional labeling can differ significantly based on the country's regulations. The variation in requirements means a product's label in the European Union may be different from the same product in the United States.


Feature	United States (FDA)	European Union (EFSA)
Individual Listing	Voluntary for the Nutrition Facts panel due to GRAS status. Often listed by name in the ingredients list, but may be grouped under "sugar alcohols".	Approved for use as a food additive (E968), and its presence must be declared. Labeling requirements exist for the amount of sugar alcohols per serving if making certain claims.
Caloric Value	Assumed to be zero for labeling purposes.	Labeled as zero calories per gram.
Identification Number	No E-number designation used.	Assigned the E-number E968 as a food additive.
Health Claims	Specific claims regarding health effects may trigger mandatory labeling of sugar alcohols.	A statement indicating the amount of polyols is required for certain foods.

Red Flags and Common Product Types

Since direct labeling isn't always mandatory in the U.S., it's important to recognize common product characteristics that signal the likely presence of erythritol or other sugar alcohols:

"Keto-Friendly" or "Keto-Safe": Products marketed for ketogenic diets often use erythritol as a sugar substitute due to its low glycemic impact.
"Sugar-Free" or "No Sugar Added": These claims are strong indicators that alternative sweeteners are used. If a product is also low-calorie and sweet, check for sugar alcohols.
Low-Carb Products: Foods targeting a low-carbohydrate count frequently rely on erythritol to provide sweetness without impacting net carbs.
Certain Baked Goods and Desserts: Cakes, cookies, and low-calorie ice creams are common applications for erythritol, where it helps with texture and moisture retention.

Conclusion

Identifying erythritol on a food label requires vigilance and an understanding of regulatory nuances, particularly in the United States where individual listing on the nutrition panel is not mandatory. The most direct method is to scan the ingredient list for "erythritol" or related brand names. If you don't find it there, look for the broader category of "sugar alcohols." By recognizing the types of products where it's commonly used, and comparing labeling standards across regions, consumers can make more informed choices about their dietary intake.

For additional information on erythritol's uses and benefits, the Sugar Nutrition Resource Centre offers an insightful article at https://www.sugarnutritionresource.org/news-articles/what-is-erythritol-sweetener.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While it can be listed as 'erythritol,' particularly in the ingredient list, it is also often included under the general category of 'sugar alcohols' or 'polyols' on the nutrition panel and ingredients list, especially in the United States.

In the U.S., erythritol is considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, so manufacturers aren't required to list it individually on the Nutrition Facts panel. It is often simply counted toward the total 'sugar alcohol' content.

In the European Union, erythritol is an approved food additive with the E-number E968 and is labeled as having zero calories per gram. U.S. regulations do not use E-numbers and generally don't require individual listing on the nutrition panel due to its GRAS status.

Yes. The claim 'sugar-free' or 'no sugar added' is a strong indicator that an alternative sweetener, such as erythritol, has been used. You should check the ingredients and the 'sugar alcohol' section for confirmation.

Check for common sweetener brand names like Swerve, or look for mentions of "sugar alcohols" in the ingredients list. Additionally, be cautious of products with terms like "keto-friendly" or "low-carb," as these often use erythritol.

Yes, erythritol is a carbohydrate and is included in the 'Total Carbohydrate' count. The specific amount will be listed under the 'Sugar Alcohols' subcategory if provided.

Polyols are sugar alcohols. Erythritol is a type of polyol, so it may be listed under this heading on food labels. If you see 'polyols' in the ingredients or nutrition facts, it could be a mixture that includes erythritol.