Understanding Sorbitol's Role in Confectionery
Sorbitol is a versatile carbohydrate that falls into the category of sugar alcohols, also known as polyols. It is naturally found in small amounts in various fruits, including apples, pears, and stone fruits, but is also commercially manufactured from corn syrup. As a food additive, it is used for several key purposes in candy and chewing gum:
- Sweetening: It provides a sweet taste with fewer calories than regular sugar, containing approximately two-thirds of the calories of sucrose.
- Moisture Retention: Sorbitol acts as a humectant, meaning it helps to prevent moisture loss, keeping products like baked goods and soft candies fresh and chewy.
- Texture and Bulk: It contributes to the overall texture and body of confectionery products, giving them a smooth mouthfeel.
- Dental Health: Unlike sugar, sorbitol is not readily metabolized by oral bacteria, which helps reduce the risk of tooth decay. This is why it is a popular ingredient in sugar-free gum and mints.
Which Candies Commonly Contain Sorbitol?
Sorbitol is most prevalent in products marketed as "sugar-free," "no added sugar," or "diet". While it's always best to check the specific product label, the following types of confectionery are strong candidates for containing sorbitol:
Sugar-Free Hard Candies: Many brands, including Eda's Sugar Free and others, use sorbitol to create their hard candy varieties. The sweet taste without the sugar content is the primary driver here, as it caters to consumers watching their sugar intake, including diabetics.
Sugar-Free Chewing Gum: This is one of the most common applications for sorbitol. Brands like Wrigley's often use sugar alcohols like sorbitol to provide the sweet flavor in their sugar-free gum. A single stick of sugar-free gum can contain 1 to 2 grams of sorbitol.
Sugar-Free Chocolates and Baked Goods: Sorbitol is often combined with other sweeteners and ingredients to create sugar-free chocolate and baked goods, which sometimes include chocolate-flavored candies and snack bars. Its humectant properties are particularly useful for baked goods to maintain moisture.
Specialty or Diabetic Candies: Candies specifically formulated for individuals managing diabetes are highly likely to contain sorbitol or other polyols as a sugar replacement. The slow absorption of sorbitol helps manage blood sugar levels more effectively than traditional sugar.
Other Confections: This can include products like breath mints, certain fruit-flavored jellies, and other items where a low-calorie or sugar-free profile is desired. Some lesser-known, specialty, or store-brand candies may also contain sorbitol.
The Digestive Impact and How to Read Labels
While sorbitol is a safe food additive, excessive consumption can lead to digestive discomfort in some individuals. Because it is not completely absorbed in the small intestine, it travels to the large intestine where it can be fermented by gut bacteria. This process can cause bloating, gas, stomach cramping, and a laxative effect. The FDA requires that products whose consumption may result in a daily intake of 50 grams of sorbitol bear a warning label stating, "Excess consumption may have a laxative effect".
To identify if a candy contains sorbitol, you need to check the ingredients list on the packaging. Look for the terms:
- Sorbitol
- Sorbitol Syrup
- Polyols
- E420 (the food additive code for sorbitol in Europe)
Additionally, note that some alternative sweeteners predominantly used in confectionery, such as isomalt and lycasin, also contain sorbitol.
Comparison of Common Sugar-Free Candy Sweeteners
| Sweetener | Type | Calories (per gram) | Common Candy Use | Potential Digestive Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorbitol | Sugar Alcohol | 2.6 | Hard candies, gum, mints, diabetic candies | Bloating, gas, diarrhea, laxative effect |
| Maltitol | Sugar Alcohol | 2.6 | Sugar-free chocolate, hard candies, baked goods | Bloating, gas, diarrhea, laxative effect |
| Erythritol | Sugar Alcohol | 0.2 | Sugar-free mints, gum, various candies | Minimal digestive issues in moderate amounts |
| Xylitol | Sugar Alcohol | 2.4 | Gum, mints, dental health candies | Bloating, gas, diarrhea in high doses |
| Sucralose | Artificial | 0 | Diet sodas, certain sugar-free products | Minimal, generally well-tolerated |
Natural vs. Commercial Sorbitol in Candies
Sorbitol's presence in candy can come from two sources: it can be naturally occurring in the fruit ingredients or it can be added as a manufactured sweetening agent. For instance, a gummy candy flavored with real fruit puree might contain some naturally-occurring sorbitol, but most sugar-free confections use the commercially produced version.
The most significant levels of sorbitol are found in the commercially added form, especially in products designed to replace sugar. For example, sugar-free chewing gum can have a significantly higher concentration of sorbitol than a piece of candy with naturally derived fruit flavoring.
Conclusion
Identifying which candies contain sorbitol requires careful label reading, especially for products claiming to be sugar-free, low-calorie, or diabetic-friendly. While popular brands like Eda's are transparent about their use of sorbitol, many other confections, especially sugar-free gums and hard candies, also rely on this sugar alcohol. Understanding its presence is crucial for those with sensitivities or who wish to avoid potential digestive side effects like bloating and diarrhea. For most consumers, moderate consumption poses no issue, but for sensitive individuals, being informed about sorbitol's inclusion is essential for managing their dietary choices. Always check the ingredient list and be aware of the common types of candies where you are likely to find sorbitol.
