Top 5 Natural Sweeteners for Food Manufacturers in the EU and Poland

1. Stevia – The Queen of Natural Sweeteners (E960)

Stevia Rebaudiana is one of the most popular natural sweeteners in Europe. Extracted from plant leaves, it contains Rebaudioside A – the sweetest-tasting steviol glycoside – and is completely calorie-free.

Benefits:

  • 100% natural
  • Zero calories
  • Ideal for diabetics
  • Heat-stable
  • Available in powder, liquid, and tablets

Applications: tea, beverages, keto products, supplements


2. Erythritol – Tooth-Friendly & Calorie-Free (E968)

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol naturally formed during fermentation. It has a glycemic index of zero and doesn’t promote tooth decay, making it perfect for health-conscious food production.

Benefits:

  • Zero calories
  • No effect on blood sugar
  • Tooth-friendly
  • Vegan and clean label

Applications: baked goods, sugar-free chocolate, functional drinks


3. Maltitol – Ideal for Candies and Cookies (E965)

Maltitol closely mimics sugar’s texture and helps retain moisture, which is essential for confections and baked products.

Benefits:

  • Lower calorie than sugar
  • Non-cariogenic (tooth-friendly)
  • Suitable for sugar-free diets

Applications: bars, cookies, chewing gum


4. Xylitol – For Dental Health (E967)

Xylitol is a naturally occurring polyol known for preventing cavities. It’s as sweet as sugar but has 40% fewer calories.

Benefits:

  • Supports oral hygiene
  • Safe for diabetics
  • Plant-derived

Applications: chewing gum, lollipops, mints, sugar-free sweets


5. Sorbitol – Moisture-Retaining Ingredient (E420)

Sorbitol is a mild sweetener used mainly in pharmaceuticals and sugar-free chewing gum. It helps preserve product freshness due to its hygroscopic properties.

Benefits:

  • Natural origin
  • Moisture retention
  • Gentle sweetness

Applications: lozenges, supplements, gummies


Who Are These Sweeteners For?

Natural sweeteners are a great choice for:

  • Sugar-free food manufacturers
  • Keto and fitness product brands
  • Supplement producers
  • Wholesale distributors in the EU