sweetener INS 953

Isomalt E953

sugar alcohol — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Hydrogenated isomaltulose

CAS: 64519-82-0

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Isomalt?

Isomalt is a sugar alcohol (polyol) produced from sucrose in a two-step enzymatic process. It provides approximately 50% of sucrose's sweetness with approximately half the calories (2 kcal/g). Unlike regular sugar, isomalt does not cause tooth decay (non-cariogenic) and has a minimal glycemic impact. It is heat-stable and does not caramelize, making it ideal for sugar-free hard candies, sugar work, and decorative confectionery. Excess consumption may cause laxative effects. JECFA considers it acceptable with no ADI specified. EFSA confirmed safety in 2008. Approved globally.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Isomalt is also used in medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Isomalt has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Warning required: excessive consumption may have laxative effects

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Generally recognized as safe for use in foods

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Approved for use in confectionery and beverages

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

not specified (acceptable for use quantum satis)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

not specified

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: enzymatic conversion and hydrogenation

Produced by enzymatic conversion of sucrose to isomaltulose, followed by hydrogenation. The result is a mixture of two disaccharide alcohols.

Applications Beyond Food

Medical

Coating for tablets and lozenges

Industrial

Used in candy making and sugar sculpture

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isomalt (E953)?

Isomalt (E953) is a sweetener used in food products. It is sugar alcohol and synthetic. A sugar alcohol derived from sucrose. About 45-65% as sweet as sugar with half the calories. Known for excellent stability and tooth-friendly properties.

What is the ADI for Isomalt?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Isomalt is not specified (acceptable for use quantum satis) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Isomalt?

Isomalt is used in various food categories including Sugar-free confectionery, Chewing gum. It is used as a sweetener in these products.

Is Isomalt the same as Palatinit?

Yes, Isomalt is also known as Palatinit, Hydrogenated palatinose. These are different names for the same substance.