Erythritol is an alcohol sugar typically produced from partially fermented corn or wheat starch. It was introduced in Japan as a new natural sweetener in 1990. Erythritol can now be found in beverages, chewing gum, chocolate, candies, bakery products and protein bars in over 60 countries. Even the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries have started using it.
There are several positive features which make erythritol stand out from other sweeteners:
Contains 0.24 calories per gram (table sugar is 4 calories)
70% as sweet as sugar
minimal digestive issues in moderate doses as it is absorbed into the blood stream and 90% is urinated out
no effect on blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol or triglycerides
better for teeth than xylitol and sorbitol
Most of the forms of alcohol sweeteners are partially digestible with 1.5 – 3 calories being absorbed per gram. Erythritol has zero glycemic effect so it will not raise blood sugar and it has minimal strain on the digestive system compared to other alcohol sugars.
There are many popular brands of erythritol sweetened products often combined with other near zero calorie sweeteners link stevia and monk fruit. Lily’s Chocolate Bars, Quest Protein Bars and even strait up erythritol by the pound. These are already commonly available in most grocery stores and easily accessible on-line.
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