European Sweetener Regulation and Approval
Within the European Union, all food additives, including sweeteners, must undergo a rigorous safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) before receiving authorization. This process ensures consumer safety and establishes maximum usage levels for various food categories. These approved additives are given a unique 'E-number' for labeling purposes, signifying their EU approval. The list of approved sweeteners is regularly re-evaluated based on new scientific data.
Sweeteners approved in the EU fall into two main groups: intense sweeteners and bulk sweeteners (polyols). Intense sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar and are used in smaller quantities, while bulk sweeteners are less potent and add volume and texture.
Approved Intense Sweeteners
The following are some of the key intense sweeteners approved by EFSA, identified by their E-number:
- Acesulfame K (E950): Re-evaluated and re-confirmed as safe by EFSA in April 2025, with an increased Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 15 mg/kg body weight per day. It is heat-stable and often combined with other sweeteners.
- Aspartame (E951): Re-evaluated in 2013, EFSA found it safe for the general population within its ADI of 40 mg/kg body weight per day. A label stating "contains a source of phenylalanine" is required for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU).
- Sucralose (E955): Approved since 2004, its re-evaluation is currently ongoing as of 2025. EFSA has previously confirmed its safety within an ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight. It is heat-stable and widely used in many products.
- Steviol Glycosides (E960): These compounds, derived from the stevia plant, were approved in the EU in 2011. EFSA established an ADI of 4 mg/kg body weight, and in 2025, new regulations were introduced regarding fermentation-produced versions.
- Saccharin (E954): One of the oldest artificial sweeteners, it was re-evaluated in 2024 with EFSA increasing its safety threshold. It's typically used in soft drinks and as a tabletop sweetener.
- Neotame (E961): A high-potency sweetener related to aspartame, EFSA completed its re-evaluation in May 2025, confirming its safety.
- Advantame (E969): An ultra-high-potency sweetener, it was evaluated and confirmed as safe by EFSA in 2013.
Approved Bulk Sweeteners (Polyols)
Polyols are sugar alcohols that provide sweetness with fewer calories. When a food product contains more than 10% added polyols, EU law requires a label warning of potential laxative effects. Some of the polyols on the approved list include:
- Erythritol (E968): Approved in 2006 and given a 0 kcal/g energy value for labeling purposes, distinguishing it from other polyols. EFSA's re-evaluation was completed in 2023.
- Xylitol (E967): A bulk sweetener found in chewing gums and confections, it's regulated for use as an additive. It has no specified ADI due to its low toxicity.
- Maltitol (E965): Used in sugar-free chocolates and baked goods, its re-evaluation is ongoing.
- Sorbitol (E420): Used as a humectant and sweetener in various foods.
- Isomalt (E953): Used in confectionery and baked goods.
Noteworthy Unapproved or Limited Status Sweeteners
Not all popular sweeteners are fully approved for widespread food additive use in the EU. A prominent example is monk fruit extract (MFE), or mogrosides. While highly purified mogrosides remain unapproved due to insufficient toxicological data, certain aqueous monk fruit decoctions were deemed 'not novel' across the EU in late 2024, enabling their use. This nuance highlights the strictness of the EU's Novel Food Regulation.
Comparison of Approved EU Sweeteners
| Feature | Aspartame (E951) | Acesulfame K (E950) | Sucralose (E955) | Steviol Glycosides (E960) | Erythritol (E968) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approval Status (as of 2025) | Safe; ADI 40 mg/kg bw/day, re-evaluated 2013. | Safe; ADI 15 mg/kg bw/day, re-evaluated 2025. | Approved; Re-evaluation ongoing. | Approved since 2011; ADI 4 mg/kg bw/day. | Approved since 2006; ADI 0 kcal/g. |
| Source | Artificial (dipeptide). | Artificial (organic salt). | Artificial (derived from sugar). | Natural (Stevia plant). | Natural (fermentation). |
| Sweetness | ~200x sweeter than sugar. | ~200x sweeter than sugar. | ~600x sweeter than sugar. | ~200-400x sweeter than sugar. | ~60-80% sweetness of sugar. |
| Heat Stability | Not heat stable; loses sweetness. | Heat stable; suitable for baking. | Heat stable; suitable for baking. | Heat stable; suitable for baking. | Heat stable; suitable for baking. |
| Key Characteristic | Contains phenylalanine; requires PKU warning. | Often combined with other sweeteners. | Wide range of applications. | Natural, plant-based origin. | Minimal laxative effect compared to other polyols. |
Frequently Asked Questions About EU Sweeteners
For consumers, understanding the regulatory landscape provides confidence in product safety and allows for informed choices. The re-evaluation program by EFSA for all food additives authorized before 2009 ensures that these substances meet modern scientific standards.
As of 2025, consumers have a diverse range of approved, safe sweeteners available across Europe. The continued rigorous assessment by EFSA and the transparent labeling system allow people to choose sugar alternatives that fit their dietary needs and preferences, whether they opt for a natural option like steviol glycosides or a versatile artificial one like acesulfame K.
The Importance of Scientific Rigor
The EU's system, driven by scientific review and continuous re-evaluation, provides a strong framework for consumer protection. The case of monk fruit, where a specific form of extract was approved based on historical consumption evidence, shows the system's detail-oriented approach. This contrasts with the broader 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) system in the U.S.. For the European food and beverage industry, adhering to these regulations is paramount for market access.
Ultimately, knowing what sweeteners are not banned in Europe means understanding a system built on decades of safety data. This allows for informed decisions, whether for managing health conditions like diabetes, reducing calorie intake, or simply avoiding sugar, all while trusting that the options available have passed rigorous scientific scrutiny.
For more detailed regulatory information, refer to the International Sweeteners Association.
Conclusion: A Safe and Regulated Sweetener Market
The European market for sweeteners is comprehensively regulated, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) overseeing the approval and re-evaluation process. Consumers can confidently use a variety of approved intense and bulk sweeteners, including acesulfame K (E950), aspartame (E951), sucralose (E955), steviol glycosides (E960), and erythritol (E968), among others. This robust regulatory framework ensures that all authorized sweeteners have been scientifically assessed for safety at specified usage levels. While certain forms of natural sweeteners like highly-purified monk fruit extract face stricter, ongoing novel food scrutiny, the overall market provides numerous safe alternatives to sugar, enabling consumers and manufacturers to make informed, health-conscious decisions.
