Nutrition Diet: Which candies have sorbitol?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol often used as a sweetener and bulking agent, is only about 60% as sweet as table sugar and contains fewer calories per gram. For those monitoring sugar intake or managing diabetes, this makes it a popular ingredient, but it begs the question: Which candies have sorbitol?

Quick Summary

An overview of sugar-free and diet candies that use sorbitol, including hard candies, gummies, and chewing gums. Learn to identify this sugar alcohol in ingredient lists and understand its potential effects on the body.

Key Points

Sorbitol is a Sugar Alcohol: It's a common low-calorie sweetener and bulking agent used in many sugar-free candies and gums.
Check the Ingredient List: Look for "sorbitol" or "E420" on the label to identify its presence in a product.
Found in Hard Candies and Gum: Popular brands like Eda's sugar-free hard candies and Orbit gum are known to use sorbitol.
Potential Laxative Effect: Consuming excessive amounts of sorbitol can cause digestive discomfort, including bloating and diarrhea.
Not All Sugar-Free Candies Use It: Some sugar-free products use alternative sweeteners like maltitol or xylitol, so reading labels is crucial.
Naturally Occurs in Fruits: Sorbitol is naturally present in certain fruits like apples, peaches, and pears.
Consume in Moderation: Even sugar-free candies should be enjoyed sparingly as part of a balanced dietary plan to minimize potential digestive issues.

What Is Sorbitol and Why Is It in Candy?

Sorbitol ($C6H{14}O_6$) is a type of carbohydrate known as a sugar alcohol, or polyol, that the body metabolizes more slowly than sugar. It is naturally found in certain fruits like apples, apricots, and pears, but is also manufactured commercially for use as an artificial sweetener and food additive. It serves multiple purposes in candy manufacturing. As a sweetener, it provides a pleasant taste with fewer calories. As a humectant, it helps products retain moisture, preventing them from drying out and maintaining a soft texture, which is particularly useful in baked goods and some soft candies. The sugar alcohol's stability and resistance to browning also make it a versatile ingredient for confectionery.

Candies Known to Contain Sorbitol

For consumers looking to identify products containing this sugar alcohol, checking the ingredient list is the most reliable method. Manufacturers are required to list it, often under the name “sorbitol” or its food additive number, “E420”. Many brands specialize in sugar-free products that frequently incorporate sorbitol into their formulas. Some of the most common categories include:

Sugar-Free Hard Candies: Brands like Eda's and Fruidles are known for their range of sugar-free hard candies, from fruit-flavored to chocolates, which explicitly list sorbitol as a key sweetener. Arcor's sugar-free products also use sorbitol.
Sugar-Free Chewing Gum: Many popular sugar-free gums contain sorbitol as a primary ingredient, including various flavors from Wrigley's Orbit and Extra.
Zero Sugar Chocolates: While some companies like Hershey's and Russell Stover produce zero-sugar chocolates, they often use a combination of sugar alcohols, and sorbitol is a common component. It's essential to check the specific product label to confirm.
Mints and Breath Fresheners: Given its cooling effect, sorbitol is a common ingredient in sugar-free mints and lozenges designed to freshen breath.

The Digestive Impact of Sorbitol

While sorbitol is a beneficial alternative for reducing sugar intake, it is not without potential drawbacks, especially for those with sensitive digestive systems. The human body does not completely absorb sorbitol in the small intestine. When consumed in excess, it passes into the large intestine, where it is fermented by gut bacteria. This process can lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and a laxative effect. The threshold for experiencing these effects varies widely among individuals. It is a good practice to start with a small amount of sorbitol-containing candy to assess your personal tolerance. In fact, due to the potential for digestive distress, some consumer groups have petitioned for clearer warning labels on products containing significant amounts of sorbitol.

How to Manage Sorbitol Intake on a Nutrition Diet

For those on a controlled-calorie or low-sugar diet, incorporating candies with sorbitol can be a viable option, provided they are consumed in moderation. It is crucial to read nutrition labels carefully, not only for the presence of sorbitol but also for the total amount of sugar alcohols listed. Some candies may use a blend of sorbitol with other sweeteners like maltitol or xylitol, which also have their own digestive and calorie profiles.

Comparison of Candies and Sweeteners


Feature	Sorbitol-Containing Candy	Maltitol-Containing Candy	Traditional Sugar Candy
Calories	Reduced calories per gram compared to sugar	Reduced calories per gram compared to sugar	High-calorie source
Digestive Effect	Can cause bloating, gas, and laxative effect in excess	Stronger laxative effect than sorbitol for some	No direct laxative effect, but can cause digestive upset in high doses
Sweetness	Approximately 60% as sweet as sugar	Approximately 90% as sweet as sugar	Standard 100% sweetness
Dental Health	Non-cariogenic; does not contribute to cavities	Non-cariogenic; does not contribute to cavities	Contributes to tooth decay
Use	Common in hard candies, gum, mints	Common in sugar-free chocolates, gums	Used in nearly all traditional sweets

Conclusion

Understanding which candies have sorbitol is essential for anyone following a diet that limits sugar, whether for health management or personal preference. Sorbitol is a widespread ingredient in many sugar-free products, including hard candies, gums, and mints, prized for its sweetness and functional properties. While it offers a low-calorie alternative to sugar, consumers must be mindful of its potential digestive side effects, especially when consumed in large quantities. By diligently checking ingredient labels for 'sorbitol' or 'E420' and practicing moderation, you can enjoy these treats as part of a balanced and informed diet. For more information on sorbitol intolerance and its causes, research conducted by UC Davis offers valuable insights.

List of Common Candies with Sorbitol (Check Labels)

Eda's Sugar Free Hard Candy: Available in various flavors, explicitly states use of sorbitol.
Orbit Sugar-Free Chewing Gum: Contains sorbitol as a primary sweetener.
Fruidles Sugar-Free Premium Hard Candy: Uses sorbitol in its individually wrapped fruit-flavored buttons.
Arcor Sugar Free Peppermint Pinwheel Starlights: Contains sorbitol.
Russell Stover Sugar-Free Candies: Many products use a blend of sugar alcohols that include sorbitol.
Some Starlight Mints (Sugar-Free): Check the brand's specific ingredients.
Cadbury Brunch Bar Choc Chip (UK): Open Food Facts lists E420 (sorbitol) as an ingredient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sorbitol does not cause the rapid spike in blood sugar that regular sugar does, so it is generally considered suitable for people with diabetes. However, it still contains carbohydrates and some calories, so moderation is key, and it should be factored into a dietary plan.

No, consuming too much sorbitol can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea, as the body does not fully absorb it. Tolerance varies by individual, so it is best to eat it in moderation.

Sorbitol does not have a strong aftertaste like some other artificial sweeteners, but it does produce a characteristic cooling sensation in the mouth. Many people find this pleasant, especially in mints and gums.

Not all sugar-free candies use sorbitol. Many products use other sugar alcohols like maltitol or xylitol, or other high-intensity sweeteners like aspartame or stevia. Always check the ingredient list to be sure.

Manufacturers use sorbitol for several reasons: it's a low-calorie alternative, it provides sweetness without contributing to tooth decay, and it functions as a bulking and moisturizing agent that improves a product's texture and shelf life.

Yes, sorbitol is not fermented by the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities. As a result, chewing sugar-free gum and eating candies sweetened with sorbitol can have less impact on dental health compared to traditional sugar-based products.

Nutrition labels typically list the total amount of 'sugar alcohols' per serving, but they may not specify the exact amount of sorbitol versus other polyols. To get an accurate idea, check the ingredient list to see where sorbitol appears; ingredients are listed by weight, so those appearing closer to the beginning are more abundant.