Why is there sugar alcohol in gum?

January 13, 2026 •

2 min read

Sugar-free gums make up a significant portion of the chewing gum market, and most are sweetened with sugar alcohols. These compounds, also known as polyols, offer a sweet taste without the high calories and glycemic impact of regular sugar, making them ideal for a range of confectionery products. The primary reasons for their inclusion are for taste, texture, and—most importantly—dental health.

Quick Summary

Sugar alcohols are used in gum to provide sweetness and texture while reducing calories and preventing tooth decay. These low-calorie sweeteners, such as xylitol and sorbitol, are not fermented by oral bacteria, which helps protect teeth. They can cause mild gastrointestinal issues in excessive amounts for some people.

Key Points

Cavity Prevention: Sugar alcohols are not fermented by oral bacteria into enamel-eroding acids, helping to prevent tooth decay.
Lower Calories: They contain significantly fewer calories than regular sugar because they are only partially absorbed by the body.
Blood Sugar Control: Because of their slow absorption, sugar alcohols cause a much smaller rise in blood sugar and insulin levels.
Improved Flavor and Texture: Sugar alcohols provide sweetness, texture, and a cooling sensation without the negative effects of sugar.
Digestive Effects: Consuming large quantities of sugar alcohols can lead to digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Xylitol's Unique Benefits: The sugar alcohol xylitol is particularly effective at inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria.
Not Artificial Sweeteners: Sugar alcohols are a class of low-calorie sweeteners, but they are chemically distinct from zero-calorie artificial sweeteners.
Safety for Diabetics: They are generally considered a good sweetener for diabetics due to their minimal impact on blood glucose, but moderation is advised.

Beyond Sweetness: The Primary Functions of Sugar Alcohols in Gum

Sugar alcohols, or polyols, provide sweetness in sugar-free gum. These carbohydrates have a structure similar to sugar and alcohol but no ethanol. They're partially absorbed by the body, offering fewer calories and minimal impact on blood sugar compared to sugar. Their benefits extend beyond sweetness.

Dental Health: The Key Advantage

A major reason for using sugar alcohols in gum is their dental benefits. Unlike sugar, which oral bacteria ferment into cavity-causing acids, sugar alcohols are non-cariogenic and not easily metabolized by these bacteria. Xylitol, in particular, inhibits Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria behind tooth decay. Chewing xylitol gum also boosts saliva production, which neutralizes acids and helps remineralize enamel.

Flavor and Texture: Crafting the Perfect Chew

Sugar alcohols also improve gum's flavor and texture. They create a smooth, soft consistency. Some, like erythritol, offer a cooling sensation as they dissolve. They also help keep gum moist, extending its shelf life.

Low-Calorie and Diabetic-Friendly

Sugar alcohols are a good alternative for those managing calorie intake or blood sugar. With fewer calories than sucrose and slower absorption, they prevent blood glucose spikes, making sugar-free gum popular for people with diabetes or on low-carb diets.

A Comparative Look at Common Sugar Alcohols in Gum

Different polyols are used, each with varying sweetness, digestive tolerance, and dental efficacy.


Feature	Xylitol	Sorbitol	Erythritol
Dental Impact	Actively inhibits S. mutans; promotes remineralization	Non-cariogenic, but less effective; some slow fermentation	Non-fermentable; minimal impact on plaque
Sweetness	~100% as sweet as sugar	~60% as sweet as sugar	~70% of sugar, but with a unique cooling effect
Calories per Gram	~2.4 kcal	~2.6 kcal	~0.24 kcal
Glycemic Index	7	9–13	0
Digestive Tolerance	Moderate; higher doses can cause discomfort	Poor; low threshold for gas and bloating	High; best tolerated as it is mostly absorbed and excreted

Potential Side Effects: Moderation is Key

Due to incomplete absorption in the small intestine, large amounts of sugar alcohols can ferment in the large intestine, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Sorbitol and mannitol have a more pronounced laxative effect than erythritol. Small amounts in gum are usually fine, but avoid excessive consumption. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and must be kept away from pets.

Conclusion

Sugar alcohol is in gum primarily for sweet flavor without sugar's negative dental effects. They offer a low-calorie alternative that helps prevent cavities by stimulating saliva and fighting bacteria. Be aware of potential digestive side effects from excessive amounts, which vary by type. Understanding polyols helps appreciate sugar-free gum while considering overall health.

Yale New Haven Hospital offers an in-depth article that further explains the benefits and drawbacks of sugar alcohols in various food products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sugar alcohol is a carbohydrate compound known as a polyol that is structurally similar to both sugar and alcohol but contains no ethanol. They occur naturally in some fruits and vegetables but are often manufactured for use in foods.

Sugar alcohol is used in gum instead of regular sugar because it provides sweetness with fewer calories and, most importantly, does not contribute to tooth decay. Oral bacteria cannot ferment sugar alcohols into harmful acids.

Yes, sugar alcohols are significantly better for dental health. Unlike sugar, they do not feed the bacteria that cause cavities, and certain types, like xylitol, actively inhibit the growth of these harmful bacteria.

Yes, consuming large quantities of sugar alcohols can cause gastrointestinal issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. This is because they are not fully absorbed and ferment in the large intestine.

Yes, sugar alcohols are carbohydrates. While they are partially absorbed by the body and can have a minimal effect on blood sugar, they are not calorie-free and do contain carbs.

Xylitol is widely regarded as one of the best sugar alcohols for oral health because it actively inhibits the growth of S. mutans, the primary bacteria that cause cavities. Some studies show better dental results with xylitol than with other polyols.

No, sugar alcohols are different from artificial sweeteners. Sugar alcohols are low-calorie sweeteners that are absorbed, while artificial sweeteners like aspartame are typically non-nutritive and have zero calories.