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What Name Is Erythritol Sold Under?

3 min read

Erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that has become a popular ingredient in many low-calorie and keto-friendly products. If you're specifically looking for a sugar alternative, you might ask: what name is erythritol sold under? While you can buy it in its pure form, it is also a key component in numerous branded and packaged goods.

Quick Summary

Erythritol is available under its own name and as a primary ingredient in branded blends like Truvia and Swerve. It is also found in many sugar-free and keto-friendly foods, from candies and baked goods to protein bars and diet drinks. Consumers should check ingredient lists for 'erythritol' or 'sugar alcohols' to identify its presence.

Key Points

  • Generic and Branded Sales: Erythritol is sold under its own name, but also as a primary ingredient in branded sweeteners like Swerve.

  • Blended Sweeteners: It is frequently blended with other high-intensity sweeteners like stevia (in Truvia, Pyure Organic) and monk fruit (in Lakanto) to improve taste and texture.

  • Hidden Ingredient: Erythritol is a common ingredient in many processed foods marketed as sugar-free or low-carb, including baked goods, candy, and ice cream.

  • Check Labels: To find or avoid it, consumers must carefully read ingredient lists for the term 'erythritol' or the more general 'sugar alcohols.'

  • Low Calorie and Low Glycemic: Erythritol offers a near-zero calorie and zero-glycemic alternative to sugar, making it popular for those managing weight or blood sugar.

  • Recent Health Concerns: Some studies suggest a potential link between high erythritol consumption and cardiovascular risks in at-risk individuals, though more research is ongoing.

In This Article

Erythritol: The Generic and the Brand Name

Erythritol is a polyol, or sugar alcohol, that is approximately 70% as sweet as sugar but contains almost no calories. It is naturally found in small amounts in some fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods, but the commercial version is produced by fermenting glucose from corn or wheat starch. When sold for home use, you can often find erythritol simply labeled as "Erythritol" from brands like NOW Foods and Whole Earth. However, it is also a key component in many popular, zero-calorie branded sweeteners and products that combine it with other high-intensity sweeteners.

Popular Brand Name Sweeteners Containing Erythritol

Many recognizable sugar substitute brands use erythritol, often in a blend to create a taste and texture more similar to sugar. These blends are frequently found in grocery stores and online.

  • Truvia: This brand primarily markets itself as a stevia-based sweetener, but its granulated products contain a blend of stevia leaf extract and erythritol. The erythritol acts as a bulking agent, providing the right texture for baking and measuring, since stevia is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar.
  • Swerve: This is a well-known, dedicated erythritol-based sweetener available in various forms, including granular, powdered, and brown sugar varieties. Swerve's primary ingredient is erythritol, and it is known for its sugar-like texture and baking performance.
  • Lakanto: This popular brand offers a monk fruit sweetener that is blended with erythritol. Similar to Truvia, the combination dilutes the intensity of the monk fruit and provides better bulk and flavor.
  • Pyure Organic: Pyure provides an organic sweetener option that is also a blend of stevia and erythritol.
  • Splenda Naturals Stevia: Some of the Splenda brand's 'Natural' line of products, which are not the classic sucralose packets, also use erythritol in their formulations.

Erythritol in Packaged Foods and Beverages

Beyond dedicated sweeteners, erythritol is a common additive in a vast array of packaged foods to reduce calories and sugar content. It can be found in many items marketed as 'sugar-free,' 'low-carb,' or 'keto-friendly.' Consumers must check the ingredient list for 'erythritol' or the generic term 'sugar alcohols,' as the latter is not always specific.

Common Products Containing Erythritol:

  • Baked Goods: Sugar-free cookies, keto bread, and pre-made baking mixes.
  • Confectionery: Sugar-free candies, gums, and chocolates, including brands like Lily's Sweets and Russell Stover.
  • Dairy Products: Low-calorie ice creams and dairy-free alternatives, such as Halo Top and Rebel Creamery.
  • Beverages: Diet sodas, flavored waters (e.g., VitaminWater Zero), and energy drinks.
  • Protein Products: Many protein bars, shakes, and powders use erythritol to enhance flavor while keeping carb counts low.

Erythritol vs. Other Sweeteners: A Comparison

To understand why erythritol is so popular, it's helpful to compare its characteristics with other common sweeteners.

Characteristic Erythritol Xylitol Stevia Sucrose (Sugar)
Sweetness 60–80% of sugar Equal to sugar 200–400x sweeter than sugar Standard (100%)
Calories (per gram) ~0.2 (almost zero) 2.4 0 4
Glycemic Index 0 (no effect on blood sugar) 12 0 (no effect on blood sugar) 65 (significant effect)
Digestive Tolerance Very high; 90% absorbed before the colon Moderate; can cause bloating and diarrhea Very high; minimal digestive impact Varies, but well-tolerated in moderation
Aftertaste Minimal; slight cooling effect None noted Potential bitter notes None

Safety, Regulation, and Considerations

Erythritol has been reviewed and classified as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, consumers should be aware of a 2023 study published in Nature Medicine that suggested a potential link between high blood levels of erythritol and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including blood clots, in certain at-risk individuals. The study emphasized that this was associated with very high levels of consumption, and more research is needed. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also reaffirmed erythritol's safety in 2023. For most people, moderate consumption is well-tolerated, but those with heart health concerns should consult a doctor or dietitian. You can find more information on the original research here.

Conclusion: Navigating Sweetener Choices

To answer the question, "what name is erythritol sold under?" the answer is a combination of its generic name, as a component in various branded sweeteners (like Truvia, Swerve, and Lakanto), and as an ingredient in a wide range of packaged foods. The key for consumers is to be vigilant and read the ingredient labels carefully, especially when purchasing products marketed for low-sugar or keto diets. While generally well-tolerated and safe for moderate consumption, especially compared to some other sugar alcohols, awareness of the brands and products that contain it allows for more informed dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol used as a zero-calorie, low-glycemic sweetener. It occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods but is commercially produced through fermentation.

Some brands that use erythritol include Swerve, which is erythritol-based, and blends like Truvia and Lakanto, which combine it with stevia and monk fruit, respectively.

You should check the ingredient list on packaged foods. The product may explicitly list 'erythritol' or the more general term 'sugar alcohols'.

No, erythritol is a sugar alcohol, while stevia and monk fruit are derived from plants. However, they are often blended together in products like Truvia and Lakanto to enhance the flavor and functionality.

No, erythritol does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels. This makes it a popular sweetener for individuals with diabetes and those on low-carb diets.

The FDA classifies erythritol as 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS). However, some recent studies have raised concerns about high consumption and cardiovascular risk, especially in at-risk individuals, and more research is needed.

Erythritol is found in a wide range of sugar-free products, including baked goods, candy, gum, low-calorie ice creams (like Halo Top), and certain diet drinks (like VitaminWater Zero).

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.