Is Lactitol (E966) Vegan?

Also known as: Lactit, Lactositol, 4-O-beta-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-glucitol, INS 966

Related additives: Lactose, Sorbitol (E420)

Not Vegan

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

Lactitol is not vegan. E966 is made by hydrogenating lactose, the sugar in milk, which is normally obtained from whey. It is vegetarian because no slaughter is involved, and EU allergen labeling exempts it from the milk declaration.

What is Lactitol?

Lactitol is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste. JECFA lists its functions as sweetener and texturizer.

Which animal, and does it die

Comes from: cow, via milk sugar (lactose) from whey
Requires slaughter: No, the animal keeps living

Suitable for vegetarians

From a mammalRelevant to alpha-gal syndrome

These flags describe sourcing. They are not an allergen assessment, and a vegan label is not a free-from claim. If you have an allergy, read the allergen declaration on the pack.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Not Vegan

E-Number

E966

Also Known As

Lactit; Lactositol; 4-O-beta-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-glucitol; INS 966

Source

Producers hydrogenate lactose over a nickel catalyst, which turns the milk sugar into the sugar alcohol lactitol. Lactose is normally obtained from whey, the liquid left over from cheese making.

Commonly Found In

Energy-reduced or no-added-sugar confectionery, chewing gum, chocolate products, jams, edible ices, fine bakery wares, desserts and table-top sweeteners, the food groups where EU rules permit polyols.

Vegan Alternative

Polyols hydrogenated from plant starch, such as sorbitol (E420).

Additional Notes

EU rules exempt lactitol from the milk allergen declaration, so a milk warning will not mention it. For a vegan diet, read E966 or lactitol on a sweetener list as a dairy-derived ingredient.