SUGAR ALCOHOLS!

SUGAR ALCOHOLS!

By now you’ve most likely seen “sugar alcohols” creep up on the nutrition label of some of your favorite food items. And if you’re like me, you probably have a few questions about the reason “why” they’ve been added to said foods and whether they’re “good, “bad,” or will give you a buzz 🍹WHAT ARE SUGAR ALCOHOLS?Sugar alcohols are not “sugars” and don’t contain ethanol (alcohol). Technically called “polyols,” sugar alcohols are unique compounds typically produced from the glucose (sugar) found in cornstarch. They’re also naturally found in some fruits and vegetables🍎

WHY ARE THEY ADDED TO FOODS?
Sugar alcohols are added during processing for several reasons:
1. They increase the volume of food
2. They enhance the taste and texture of food
3. They affect the cooling temperature and prevent browning of food
4. They reduce the total number of calories a food providesWHERE CAN I FIND SUGAR ALCOHOLS?Sugar alcohols can be found in a variety of foods. They’re most often found in foods that contain “sugar-free” or “no sugar added” on the label. Popular examples include:

Candy
Gum
Baked goods
Ice creamHOW CAN I SPOT A SUGAR ALCOHOL ON A FOOD LABEL?
Below is a list of common names to look for on the nutrition label of your favorite food:

Erythritol
, Sorbitol
Maltitol, 
XylitolHOW WILL SUGAR ALCOHOLS EFFECT ME? Some people may see no effect at all, while others may experience some of the common side effects like bloating and diarrhea from the “laxative effect” sugar alcohols have been associated with. The American Diabetes Association claims that sugar alcohols are acceptable in a moderate amount but should not be eaten in excessNow you know! Do your favorite foods have sugar alcohols?SEND ME A DM!