Why Is There Sugar Alcohol in Sugar Free Candy?

December 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, are used as sweeteners and bulking agents in many processed foods, including sugar-free candy. These carbohydrates provide fewer calories and have a lesser impact on blood sugar levels compared to traditional sugar.

Quick Summary

Sugar alcohols are used in sugar-free candy for sweetness, bulk, and texture, providing fewer calories and a minimal effect on blood sugar. They are incompletely absorbed in the digestive system, which can cause gastrointestinal side effects when consumed in large quantities.

Key Points

Functional Role: Sugar alcohols provide bulk, texture, and moisture in sugar-free candy, acting as more than just a sweetener to replicate the properties of sugar.
Lower Caloric Density: They contain fewer calories per gram than regular sugar, making them a popular choice for weight management and calorie-controlled diets.
Less Impact on Blood Sugar: Sugar alcohols are absorbed more slowly and incompletely, resulting in a less significant rise in blood glucose levels, which is beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Dental Health Benefits: Unlike sugar, they are not metabolized by oral bacteria and can even help prevent tooth decay, with xylitol being particularly effective.
Potential for Digestive Issues: When consumed in large amounts, the incomplete absorption of sugar alcohols can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea due to fermentation in the large intestine.
Moderation is Key: Despite being sugar-free, products containing sugar alcohols are not calorie or carbohydrate-free and should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.

Understanding the 'Sugar Alcohol' in Your Candy

Despite their name, sugar alcohols are not the same type of alcohol found in drinks. They are carbohydrates with a structure similar to both sugar and alcohol. Found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, sugar alcohols are often commercially produced for use in sugar-free products by modifying sugars and starches. This process results in a sweetener that adds the necessary bulk and texture of sugar but with fewer calories.

More Than Just Sweetness

Sugar alcohols serve several important functions in candy:

Bulking and Texture: They add volume and a desirable mouthfeel to candy, replacing the bulk of sugar. Maltitol is known for creating a creamy texture in chocolates.
Lower Calorie Count: With fewer calories per gram than sugar (around 1.5 to 3 vs. 4), they help create lower-calorie sweets, appealing to those managing weight.
Dental Health Benefits: Unlike sugar, oral bacteria cannot easily ferment sugar alcohols, which helps prevent tooth decay. {Link: Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-know-about-sugar-alcohols}

Common Types of Sugar Alcohols in Candy

Common sugar alcohols include maltitol, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol. {Link: Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-know-about-sugar-alcohols} These vary in sweetness, caloric impact, and the potential for digestive side effects.

Potential Downsides and Digestive Considerations

The incomplete absorption of sugar alcohols means that when consumed in significant quantities, they can reach the large intestine and be fermented by bacteria. This can result in gas, bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea. The likelihood and severity of these issues depend on the specific sugar alcohol and the individual.

Comparison: Sugar Alcohols vs. Other Sweeteners


Feature	Sugar Alcohols (e.g., Maltitol, Sorbitol)	Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Aspartame, Sucralose)	Novel Sweeteners (e.g., Stevia, Monk Fruit)
Caloric Content	1.5–3 calories per gram	Zero calories	Zero calories
Impact on Blood Sugar	Minimal to some effect, varies by type	None	None
Effect on Dental Health	Does not promote tooth decay	Does not promote tooth decay	Does not promote tooth decay
Digestive Side Effects	Can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in excess	Generally no digestive side effects	Minimal to none
Main Function	Adds sweetness, bulk, and texture	Adds sweetness only	Adds sweetness only

Reading Labels and Moderation is Key

Checking nutrition labels and practicing moderation is important, especially for individuals with diabetes or IBS. Sugar-free does not mean calorie or carbohydrate-free. The American Diabetes Association suggests a method for counting the carbohydrate impact for those with diabetes: if a serving has more than 5 grams of sugar alcohol, subtract half of the sugar alcohol grams from the total carbohydrate count. {Link: Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-know-about-sugar-alcohols}

Conclusion: The Multifaceted Role of Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols are included in sugar-free candy for sweetness and their functional properties like providing bulk, texture, and moisture while reducing calories. Their positive effects on blood sugar management and dental health are significant benefits. However, consumers should be mindful of potential digestive issues from consuming large amounts. Enjoying sugar-free treats responsibly requires moderation and reading product labels carefully. Understanding sugar alcohols helps consumers make informed dietary choices. For further information on nutrition and diabetes, consult resources from organizations like the American Diabetes Association.

Alternative Sweeteners

Alternative sweeteners include Stevia, Monk Fruit, and Allulose, offering sweetness with minimal to no caloric or blood sugar impact.

How Sugar-Free Candy is Manufactured

Sugar-free candy replaces sugar with sugar alcohols and other sweeteners, undergoing processes of mixing, cooking, and cooling.

The Digestive Journey of Sugar Alcohols

Incompletely absorbed sugar alcohols ferment in the large intestine, potentially causing digestive discomfort.

The Debate Around Long-Term Effects

Some research suggests a potential link between high intake of certain sugar alcohols and cardiovascular issues, indicating a need for more study.

Importance of Balanced Diet

Sugar-free items should complement a healthy diet and be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced eating plan. {Link: Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-know-about-sugar-alcohols}

Frequently Asked Questions

Sugar alcohols, or polyols, are a type of carbohydrate used as a low-calorie sweetener and bulking agent in foods. Despite the name, they do not contain the ethanol found in alcoholic beverages.

Because sugar alcohols are not completely absorbed by the small intestine, they travel to the large intestine where gut bacteria ferment them. This process can produce gas, bloating, cramping, and a laxative effect.

No, sugar alcohols vary in sweetness, caloric content, and their likelihood to cause digestive issues. For example, erythritol is generally well-tolerated, while maltitol and sorbitol are more prone to causing discomfort.

The bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay cannot ferment sugar alcohols. Therefore, sugar alcohols, particularly xylitol, do not contribute to cavities and can actually help inhibit plaque formation.

Sugar alcohols have a less significant impact on blood sugar compared to regular sugar because they are absorbed more slowly and incompletely. However, they are still a form of carbohydrate and should be accounted for in a meal plan.

On a nutrition label, sugar alcohols are often listed under the 'Total Carbohydrate' section. You can also look for ingredients ending in '-ol', such as xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol.

Yes, some sugar-free products use other sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract, which are non-nutritive, or allulose, a rare sugar, to provide sweetness without the same digestive impact as sugar alcohols.