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Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes

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.

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