Erythritol (E968) Zero-Calorie Polyol Sweetener
Erythritol (E968) is a zero-calorie polyol sweetener with a clean, sugar-like taste and mild cooling effect. It is widely used in sugar-free confectionery, chocolate, bakery, beverages, table-top sweeteners and nutrition products as a bulk sweetener that supports sugar reduction and low-calorie formulations.
See more polyols and bulk sweeteners in the Sweeteners portfolio or browse every Atlas additive through the Product Index (A–Z).
Erythritol functionality & sensory profile
Erythritol has become a core ingredient in modern sugar-free and reduced-sugar formulations. It offers bulk, sweetness and process stability without contributing calories, and is often combined with high-intensity sweeteners such as stevia or sucralose to reach the desired sweetness level and taste profile.
Key characteristics
- Zero-calorie polyol: erythritol is not significantly metabolised for energy in humans.
- Clean, sugar-like taste: mild sweetness (around 60–70% of sucrose) with a characteristic cooling effect at higher dosages.
- Good digestive tolerance: generally better tolerated than many other polyols, in line with local regulations and usage guidance.
- Non-cariogenic: does not contribute to dental caries; suitable for “toothfriendly” and sugar-free confectionery concepts.
- Heat and pH stability: suitable for bakery, confectionery and many beverage processes.
Indicative specification points
Atlas aligns erythritol specifications with your internal quality standards and target markets. Typical parameters include:
- Appearance: white crystalline powder or granules with free-flowing properties.
- Assay: erythritol content in line with food-grade specifications for E968.
- Loss on drying and ignition residue within defined limits.
- Low levels of related polyols and impurities.
- Microbiological criteria suitable for confectionery, bakery and beverage use.
Detailed specifications, COAs, stability data and analytical methods can be harmonised with your QA/QC systems during supplier qualification.
Erythritol in sugar-free confectionery, bakery & beverages
Erythritol is used wherever manufacturers need to reduce or remove sucrose while still delivering sweetness, bulk and a satisfying mouthfeel. It is compatible with a wide range of flavours, sweeteners and processing technologies.
Confectionery & chocolate
- Sugar-free and reduced-sugar hard candies and lozenges.
- Chocolate and compound coatings where erythritol replaces part or all of the sucrose.
- Chewing gum and compressed mints, often in combination with xylitol, isomalt or other polyols.
- Functional confectionery such as vitamin candies and oral-care sweets.
Bakery, fillings & snacks
- Reduced-sugar cakes, muffins, cookies and bars where erythritol contributes bulk.
- Fillings, creams and icings that require lower sugar and controlled browning.
- Breakfast cereals, granola and snack clusters targeting lower sugar content and improved nutritional positioning.
Beverages & nutrition
- Carbonated soft drinks and flavoured waters where erythritol provides body and background sweetness.
- Energy drinks, sports drinks and functional beverages in combination with high-intensity sweeteners and acidulants.
- Ready-to-drink teas, coffees and dairy or plant-based beverages with sugar reduction targets.
- Sports nutrition powders, meal replacements and protein shakes where erythritol supports sweetness and mouthfeel.
Formulation guidance
- Use erythritol together with high-intensity sweeteners (e.g. stevia, sucralose, acesulfame K) to reach the desired sweetness intensity.
- Balance the characteristic cooling effect with flavours, fats or additional carbohydrates when needed.
- In chocolate and bakery, adjust fat and moisture levels to compensate for differences vs. sucrose.
- Check local regulations on polyol labelling, nutrition claims and tolerance guidance.
Designing erythritol-based sweetener systems
Atlas can support you in building erythritol-based sweetener systems and premixes that combine erythritol with stevia, sucralose, allulose or other polyols, tailored to your taste, nutritional and cost targets in confectionery, bakery, beverages and nutrition applications.
Talk to an Atlas sweetener specialistQuality, regulatory & supply chain for erythritol
Atlas Global Trading Co. works with established erythritol producers in China and coordinates qualification, documentation and global logistics from Ankara, Türkiye.
Quality & regulatory documentation
- Supplied in line with recognised E968 food additive specifications where applicable.
- Complete specification and COA for each batch, including assay, moisture, ash and key impurities.
- Supporting documentation for GMO status, allergens, contaminants, heavy metals and microbiology available on request.
- Certificates such as Halal, Kosher, ISO, FSSC can be provided when available from the producer.
- Each customer remains responsible for final product labelling and nutritional claims; Atlas provides transparent technical data to support this work.
Packaging, storage & logistics
- Standard packaging: 25 kg bags or cartons with inner liners; other pack sizes can be evaluated.
- Customised palletisation and container loading plans for large-volume or multi-country programs.
- Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from moisture and strong odours.
- Shipments arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with full export documentation managed by Atlas.
For information on grade options, lead times, packaging formats and destination-specific documentation, please contact Atlas with your project details and target markets.