E966 — Lactitol
Sweetener - sugar alcohol with mild sweetness
Also known as: Lactitol
Verification required
Verify — Mushbooh
Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
Checking this in a shop right now?
Vegan / vegetarian label on pack → plant-based source → safe for this code
HFA / HMC / IFANCA / JAKIM logo → independently certified → safe
Neither? Follow the steps below.
School of Thought Breakdown
Hanafi
Verify source
Maliki
May permit
Shafi'i
Avoid if animal
Hanbali
Avoid if animal
Mushbooh - derived from lactose (milk). Halal if from permissible dairy sources. Dairy itself is halal so most scholars consider lactitol halal.
What to do with this product
Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2
Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim
If present, E966 comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.
Look for a halal certification logo on the pack
An HFA, HMC, IFANCA, JAKIM, or ESMA logo means the source has been independently audited. The E-code is confirmed halal in this product.
Neither? Here's what to do next:
Put it back and look for a certified alternative on the same shelf.
Check for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo, or labelled "suitable for vegans". Either confirms a safe source.
Did you find a certified alternative?
Halal-certified confectionery:
Browse halal alternatives on AmazonAmazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.
About E966
A sugar alcohol, Halal if obtained from Halal whey or lactose. If animal rennet is used to make whey and lactose then lactitol is not Halal.
Verification Required
This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.
What is E966 made from?
- hydrogenation of lactose (milk sugar - dairy)
Foods that commonly contain E966
Food Category Guide
E966 is common in sugar-free confectionery — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E966 (Lactitol) halal?
E966 (Lactitol) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
What is E966 used for?
E966 is used as a sweetener - sugar alcohol with mild sweetness in food products.
What foods contain E966?
E966 (Lactitol) is commonly found in: sugar-free confectionery, dietary foods, laxative formulations.
What is E966 made from?
E966 can be derived from the following sources: hydrogenation of lactose (milk sugar - dairy).
What are the other names for E966?
E966 may appear on food labels as: Lactitol.
surface coating agents, gases, sweeteners — 32 E-codes: 25 Halal, 2 Haraam, 5 Mushbooh
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This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.