What is Sorbitol?
Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, is a type of carbohydrate categorized as a sugar alcohol, or polyol. It is a water-soluble compound that occurs naturally in many fruits and berries, including apples, pears, peaches, and prunes. While it can be found in nature, most commercially used sorbitol is produced from glucose derived from corn syrup. Sorbitol is approximately 60% as sweet as table sugar and contains fewer calories per gram, typically around 2.6 calories compared to sugar's 4 calories.
Beyond its use as a low-calorie sweetener, sorbitol is valued in the food industry for its functional properties. It acts as a humectant, which means it helps retain moisture in products like baked goods and candies, extending their shelf life and improving texture. It also serves as a bulking agent, giving sugar-free products the body and texture of their full-sugar counterparts.
The FDA's Stance: Why Sorbitol Is Not an Added Sugar
In its final rule for updating the Nutrition Facts label, the FDA clearly defined "added sugars" to help consumers make more informed choices. The definition includes sugars added during food processing, sweeteners sold as such (like table sugar or honey), and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices. Critically, this definition does not include sugar alcohols like sorbitol.
The reason for this distinction lies in both chemistry and metabolism. Unlike typical sugars (monosaccharides like glucose and fructose, or disaccharides like sucrose), polyols have a chemical structure that the body only partially absorbs. What is not absorbed in the small intestine travels to the large intestine, where it is fermented by bacteria. This incomplete absorption results in a smaller caloric load and a more minimal impact on blood glucose levels compared to added sugars, which are quickly and fully absorbed.
Digestion and Health Implications
Sorbitol's slow and incomplete absorption is a key factor in its use for managing certain health conditions, particularly diabetes. Because it does not cause the rapid spike in blood sugar that added sugars do, it is a popular sweetener in diabetic-friendly foods. However, the same metabolic process can lead to side effects if consumed in large quantities. Excessive intake of sorbitol can have a laxative effect, causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some individuals. Due to this, the FDA mandates a warning label on foods where excessive consumption might lead to a daily ingestion of 50 grams of sorbitol.
Other Common Sugar Alcohols
It's important to remember that sorbitol is just one type of sugar alcohol. Other common polyols include:
- Xylitol: Found in many sugar-free gums and candies, it is as sweet as sugar but with fewer calories.
- Erythritol: With a near-zero glycemic index and minimal calories, it is well-tolerated by most people.
- Maltitol: Used in sugar-free chocolates and desserts, it has a taste and texture similar to sugar but with a lower caloric content.
- Isomalt: Valued for its stability in heat, it is often used in hard candies and confections.
Comparison Table: Sorbitol vs. Added Sugar (Sucrose)
| Feature | Sorbitol (Polyol) | Added Sugar (Sucrose) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Sugar Alcohol (Polyol) | Disaccharide |
| Classification (FDA) | Not considered an added sugar | Is considered an added sugar |
| Calories per gram | ~2.6 kcal | ~4 kcal |
| Sweetness | ~60% as sweet as sucrose | Standard reference (100% sweetness) |
| Absorption | Slowly and incompletely absorbed | Quickly and completely absorbed |
| Blood Sugar Impact | Minimal effect, low glycemic index | Causes a rapid spike in blood sugar |
| Digestive Impact | Large amounts can cause bloating and a laxative effect | Excessive intake of added sugars can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance |
| Dental Health | Does not contribute to tooth decay | Causes tooth decay |
How to Spot Sorbitol on a Nutrition Label
Since sorbitol is not an added sugar, you won't find it listed in the "Added Sugars" line item on the Nutrition Facts panel. To identify if a product contains sorbitol, you must look at the ingredients list. Manufacturers are required to list the specific name of any sugar alcohol used. You may also see a separate line item for "Sugar Alcohols" under "Total Carbohydrate" on the Nutrition Facts panel, which includes sorbitol and any other polyols present. Checking both the ingredients and the Carbohydrate breakdown is the most reliable way to know what's in your food.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Sorbitol and Added Sugar
The question, "Is sorbitol considered added sugar?" can be definitively answered with a "no." The FDA, along with other health authorities, classifies sorbitol as a sugar alcohol, fundamentally different from added sugars like sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup. This distinction is critical for dietary management, particularly for individuals with diabetes, as sorbitol has a lower caloric content and a minimal effect on blood glucose levels. Its partial absorption, while beneficial for blood sugar control, can cause gastrointestinal side effects in large doses. By understanding the difference between sugar alcohols and added sugars and reading food labels carefully, consumers can make more informed decisions about the sweeteners in their diet. For official information on food labeling, refer to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/added-sugars-new-nutrition-facts-label
