Maltitol is an alpha-D-glucoside of D-glucitol and a sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of maltose. It is used as a bulk sweetener and humectant in sugar-free confectionery, baked goods and pharmaceutical syrups. It is a bulk sweetener approximately as sweet as sucrose, and JECFA lists it as a sweetener, bulking agent, humectant and stabiliser. It is a white crystalline powder or clear viscous syrup. Food use as E 965 is subject to the applicable food-additive specification and permitted-use conditions. Pharmaceutical use requires the applicable pharmacopoeia grade.