Erythritol - Natural Sugar Alcohol Sweetener

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is used as a sweetener in various low-calorie and sugar-free food products. It occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods.

Erythritol FAQ

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What is erythritol used for?

Erythritol is often used as a replacement for table sugar in low-calorie and low-sugar products. It’s also included as an ingredient to “bulk up” some other artificial sweeteners. It’s a favored additive for two big reasons. First, it’s very low in calories, which makes it ideal for “diet” foods.

Where does erythritol come from?

Erythritol occurs naturally with the fermentation of fructose (fruit sugar) and is found in extremely low levels in various fruits such as melon, pears, grapes and in fermented foods, including dairy cheese and soy sauce. Our red blood cells also naturally make very low levels of erythritol.

What is a synonym for erythritol?

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, several synonyms were in use for erythritol: erythrol, erythrite, erythoglucin, eryglucin, erythromannite and phycite. Zerose is a tradename for erythritol.

Is erythritol caloric?

Erythritol is 60–70% as sweet as sucrose (table sugar). However, erythritol is almost completely noncaloric, and does not affect blood sugar or cause tooth decay. Japanese companies pioneered the commercial development of erythritol as a sweetener in the 1990s.

What is erythritol?

As the use of artificial sweeteners becomes increasingly common, erythritol is gaining attention as a low-calorie sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar levels, making the sugar substitute a popular option for people with diabetes or weight management concerns.

Where can I find erythritol?

Erythritol is common in sugar-free varieties of ice cream, candy, gum, cookies, cakes, protein bars, and fruit spreads. You can find erythritol with other sugar substitutes in stores and online. It's also sold in bulk to companies that use it to sweeten or thicken products like reduced-calorie and sugar-free foods and drinks.

Does erythritol contain protein?

Erythritol does not contain any protein. There are no vitamins and minerals in erythritol. Erythritol is primarily used to add sweetness to food without any additional calories or sugar, making it a popular sweetener for some whey protein powders. This makes it a useful ingredient for those with diabetes or people on a weight loss plan.