Sorbee "Get the sweet without the sugar"

Sugar replacers (polyols) provide fewer calories per gram than does sugar, they do not promote tooth decay and they do not cause sudden increases in blood glucose levels.  Because they taste good, people can improve the healthfulness of their diets without having to sacrifice the pleasure of eating sweet foods they enjoy.

Sugar provides approximately 4.0 calories per gram.  The FDA allows the use of the following caloric values:

Isomalt:  2 calories per gram

Maltitol:  2.1 calories per gram

Sorbitol:  2.6 calories per gram

HSH:  3 calories per gram

Source:  Calorie Control Council

• What are sugar alcohols/polyols?
• What other names are used for polyols?
• What sugar replacers (polyols) are now used in the United States?
• What are the health benefits of sugar replacers (polyols)?
• Are sugar replacers (polyols) safe?
• Do sugar replacers (polyols) cause gastrointestinal problems? What should a person do if he or she is sensitive?
• How are sugar replacers (polyols) used differently in the body?
• Are sugar replacers (polyols) useful for people with diabetes?
• How should sugar replacers (polyols) be calculated in exchange lists for meal planning?