Sugar Alcohols and Artificial Sweeteners: How to Read the Fine Print
Not all "Sugar-Free" foods are calorie-free. Learn the difference between sugar alcohols (polyols) and artificial sweeteners, and how to track them on
If you have ever eaten a handful of "sugar-free" candies only to experience sudden digestive upset, you have had a firsthand encounter with the complexity of sugar substitutes. In the modern food industry, the term "Sugar-Free" is often a label for a complex mix of Sugar Alcohols and High-Intensity Sweeteners . While these ingredients help reduce calorie intake, they are not all created equal. At CalorieFinder , we decode these ingredients in our global database at www.caloriefinder.org . Today, we’re showing you how to read the fine print on sweeteners and what they mean for your health. 1. Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): The "Hidden" Calories Sugar alcohols, also known as polyols , are carbohydrates that are chemically similar to both sugar and alcohol (though they contain no ethanol). Common examples include Xylitol , Erythritol , Sorbitol , and Maltitol . The most important thing to know about polyols is that they are not calorie-free . While sugar has 4 calories per gr…