Sugar alcohols are not commonly used in home food preparation, but are a common ingredient in many processed foods.
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is the alcohol form of sucrose. It occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables, and is manufactured from corn syrup.
Mannitol
Mannitol is the alcohol form of mannose. It occurs naturally in pineapples, olives, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Mannitol is extracted from seaweed for use in food manufacturing. It is sometimes used as a sweetener in dietetic products.
Xylitol
Xylitol, also called “wood sugar,” is the alcohol form of xylose. It occurs naturally in straw, corncobs, fruit, vegetables, cereals, mushrooms, and some seaweeds. For use in food manufacturing, xylitol is extracted from birch wood chips. Xylitol is used as a sweetener in chewing gums and other dietetic products.
Mannitol, 1g mannitol
Calories: 2.6
Protein: 0.0g
Carbohydrate: less than 1.0g
Total Fat: 0.0g
Fiber: 0.0g
Sorbitol, 1g sorbitol
Calories: 2.6
Protein: 0.0g
Carbohydrate: less than 1.0g
Total Fat: 0.0g
Fiber: 0.0g
Xylitol, 1g xylitol
Calories: 2.6
Protein: 0.0g
Carbohydrate: less than 1.0g
Total Fat: 0.0g
Fiber: 0.0g
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The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.