Sorbitol (E420)

Sorbitol (E420) is one of the markers Open Food Facts uses to classify a food as ultra-processed (NOVA group 4).

What it is and why it counts

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and to keep products moist. In large amounts it has a laxative effect, which EU labels must mention above a set content.

Cosmetic additives

NOVA calls these additives "cosmetic": they change how a product looks, feels or tastes rather than keeping it safe to eat. Their presence is one of the two defining signs of an ultra-processed food.

Function

Humectant: Humectants are substances which prevent foods from drying out by counteracting the effect of an atmosphere having a low degree of humidity, or promote the dissolution of a powder in an aqueous medium.
Sequestrant: Sequestrants are substances which form chemical complexes with metallic ions.
Stabiliser: Stabilisers are substances which make it possible to maintain the physico-chemical state of a foodstuff; stabilisers include substances which enable the maintenance of a homogenous dispersion of two or more immiscible substances in a foodstuff, substances which stabilise, retain or intensify an existing colour of a foodstuff and substances which increase the binding capacity of the food, including the formation of cross-links between proteins enabling the binding of food pieces into re-constituted food.
Sweetener: Sweeteners are substances used to impart a sweet taste to foods or in table-top sweeteners.
Thickener: Thickeners are substances which increase the viscosity of a foodstuff.

Functional class definitions from the EU food additives regulation, via Open Food Facts.

More about sorbitol (E420) on Wikidata