Lactitol

Sweetener

Lactitol at a glance

Category
Sweetener
Also called
E966, Lactite
Commonly found in
Sugar-free candies, Sugar-free chocolates, Baked goods, Ice cream
Diets reviewed
26 diets

What is Lactitol?

Lactitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and bulking agent. It is derived from lactose, a sugar found in milk, through a hydrogenation process. Lactitol is approximately 30-40% as sweet as sucrose (table sugar) and is often used in sugar-free and reduced-calorie products. It has a low glycemic index and is not fully absorbed by the body, making it a popular choice for people managing their sugar intake.

Also known as:

E966Lactite

Diet Compatibility

Dairy FreeAvoid

Lactitol is a sweetener made from whey or other sources of dairy.

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Milk FreeAvoid

Lactitol is a sweetener made from whey or other sources of milk.

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VeganAvoid

Lactitol is a sweetener made from whey or other sources of dairy.

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Low FODMAPAvoid

Lactitol is a polyol, which is high FODMAP at a normal serving size.

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Alpha-Gal FriendlyAvoid

Lactitol is a sweetener made from whey or other sources of dairy and thus contains alpha-gal.

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Barley FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Barley Free diet.

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Corn FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Corn Free diet.

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Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

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Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

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Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

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GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

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Gluten FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gluten Free diet.

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Lactose FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lactose Free diet.

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Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

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Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

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Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

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Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

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Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

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PescatarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Pescatarian diet.

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Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

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Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

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Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

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Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

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Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

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VegetarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegetarian diet.

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Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

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Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Lactitol

People avoid lactitol primarily due to its dairy origin, making it unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or following a strict dairy-free diet. Additionally, like other sugar alcohols, lactitol can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and diarrhea, especially when consumed in large amounts.

Potential Reactions

  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Lactitol

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Related to Lactitol

Other ingredients people often check alongside Lactitol.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

  • Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
  • Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
  • Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
  • Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

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