Sugar Alcohols
Varieties
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is the alcohol form of sucrose. It occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables, and is manufactured from corn syrup.
Mannitol
Mannitol is the alcohol form of mannose. It occurs naturally in pineapples, olives, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Mannitol is extracted from seaweed for use in food manufacturing. It is sometimes used as a sweetener in dietetic products.
Xylitol
Xylitol, also called “wood sugar,” is the alcohol form of xylose. It occurs naturally in straw, corncobs, fruit, vegetables, cereals, mushrooms, and some seaweeds. For use in food manufacturing, xylitol is extracted from birch wood chips. Xylitol is used as a sweetener in chewing gums and other dietetic products.
Preparation, Uses, & Tips
Sugar alcohols are not commonly used in home food preparation, but are a common ingredient in many processed foods.
Nutrition Highlights
Mannitol, 1g mannitol
- Calories: 2.6
- Protein: 0.0g
- Carbohydrate: less than 1.0g
- Total Fat: 0.0g
- Fiber: 0.0g
Sorbitol, 1g sorbitol
- Calories: 2.6
- Protein: 0.0g
- Carbohydrate: less than 1.0g
- Total Fat: 0.0g
- Fiber: 0.0g
Xylitol, 1g xylitol
- Calories: 2.6
- Protein: 0.0g
- Carbohydrate: less than 1.0g
- Total Fat: 0.0g
- Fiber: 0.0g