Mannitol
Mannitol suppliers and sourcing guide
Mannitol is a six-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol), an isomer of sorbitol with a different optical rotation. It is produced by hydrogenating sugar solutions that contain glucose or fructose, or by fermenting sugars with specific yeasts or bacteria, then crystallizing it from solution. Because it takes up very little moisture, it is widely bought as a powder or granulate for pressed mints, chewable tablets and dusting chewing gum.
- Category
- Sweeteners
- Also known as
- E421 · D-mannitol · 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexanehexol · CAS 69-65-8
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of mannitol
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Crystalline powder
Standard mannitol powder for confectionery, gum dusting and dry blends.
Granulated or spray-dried DC grades
Mannitol made for direct-compression tablets, chewables and orally dissolving tablets.
Gum dusting grade
Fine powder sized to coat chewing gum and stop pieces sticking.
USP/EP grade
Mannitol tested to pharmacopeial monographs for drug and supplement manufacturers.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Assay (HPLC)
- D-mannitol on a dry basis by HPLC, with sorbitol and other polyols reported.
- Reducing sugars
- Residual reducing sugars, reported against the FCC or pharmacopeial limit.
- Loss on drying
- Moisture by loss on drying; mannitol is normally very dry.
- Nickel and lead
- Nickel from hydrogenation and lead, by ICP-MS or atomic absorption.
- Particle size
- Particle size distribution by sieve or laser diffraction, which controls flow and tablet hardness.
- Microbiology
- Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, and specified organisms.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store mannitol in closed containers at ambient temperature in a dry area; it is one of the least hygroscopic polyols and stores well. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of assay, moisture and particle size for older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Record the particle size distribution for each lot of DC or dusting grade, because it controls flow and compression. Note the production route (hydrogenation or fermentation) if the supplier states it.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 180.25 permits mannitol in food at stated maximum levels by food category, including 98 percent in pressed mints and 31 percent in chewing gum.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 180.25 requires the statement "Excess consumption may have a laxative effect" on foods whose reasonably foreseeable consumption may result in a daily ingestion of 20 grams of mannitol.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 101.9 allows a general factor of 1.6 calories per gram for mannitol when calculating calories for nutrition labeling.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Sweeteners permits mannitol in unstandardized foods at Good Manufacturing Practice levels.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Mannitol suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking mannitol suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell mannitol? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of mannitol can brands buy?
Common forms include crystalline powder, granulated or spray-dried DC grades, gum dusting grade and uSP/EP grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for mannitol include?
Expect assay (HPLC), reducing sugars, loss on drying, nickel and lead, particle size and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should mannitol be stored?
Store mannitol in closed containers at ambient temperature in a dry area; it is one of the least hygroscopic polyols and stores well. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of assay, moisture and particle size for older stock.
What is the regulatory status of mannitol?
21 CFR 180.25 permits mannitol in food at stated maximum levels by food category, including 98 percent in pressed mints and 31 percent in chewing gum. 21 CFR 180.25 requires the statement "Excess consumption may have a laxative effect" on foods whose reasonably foreseeable consumption may result in a daily ingestion of 20 grams of mannitol. 21 CFR 101.9 allows a general factor of 1.6 calories per gram for mannitol when calculating calories for nutrition labeling. Health Canada's List of Permitted Sweeteners permits mannitol in unstandardized foods at Good Manufacturing Practice levels.
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