Articles
Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes
Sugar alcohols and novel sweeteners
Moderation is key with sugar substitutes
Content
Understanding artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes
Natural sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners
Uses for artificial sweeteners
Possible health benefits of artificial sweeteners
Possible health concerns with artificial sweeteners
Novel sweeteners
Sugar alcohols
Uses for sugar alcohols
Possible health benefits of sugar alcohols
Possible health concerns with sugar alcohols
Uses for natural sweeteners
Possible health benefits of natural sweeteners
Possible health concerns with natural sweeteners
Moderation is key
Uses for sugar alcohols
Sugar alcohols generally aren't used when you prepare food at home. But they're in many processed foods and other products, including chocolate, chewing gum and toothpaste. Sugar alcohols add sweetness, bulk and texture to food, as well as helping food to stay moist.
Sugar alcohols are often combined with artificial sweeteners to enhance sweetness. Food labels may use the general term "sugar alcohol" or list the specific name, such as sorbitol.