Abstract: The invention relates to a relatively pure pulverulent mannitol, having a moderate and not excessive friability of between 40 and 80% in a Test I, a low apparent density of between 300 and 525 g/l for a particle size cut of between 100 and 200 microns and, additionally, a specific particle size in the sense that it contains less than 30% of particles with a size of less than 75 microns. This pulverulent mannitol possesses remarkable functional properties which make its use particularly recommended as sweetening agent, texturizing agent or additive excipient or vehicle in the food and pharmaceutical industries.