What Is Maltitol & Is It Safe?
Whether You’re Cutting Carbs, Following a Keto Diet, or Just Trying to Reduce Your Overall Sugar Intake, You Might Be Considering Sugar Substitutes. Maltitol...
Whether you’re cutting carbs, following a keto diet, or just trying to reduce your overall sugar intake, you might be considering sugar substitutes. Maltitol, found in fruits and vegetables, but also added to low sugar foods, is one of the many options on the market. Read on to learn what it is and if it's a good option for you.
What is Maltitol?
Maltitol is a sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute primarily in processed foods. Sugar alcohols, or polyols, include sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol. They are absorbed in the small intestine and have fewer calories than regular sugar (2.4 kcal/g versus 4 kcal/g).1 It still has a glycaemic index and contributes to total carbohydrate intake.
Must Read
Why is it used?
Maltitol is used in food manufacturing of sweet foods – mostly sweets, drinks, medications, and baked goods. They’re often marketed as low sugar or reduced sugar foods since maltitol contributes half the calories of regular sugar. While maltitol and other sugar alcohols occur in some fruits and vegetables, the ones in processed foods are usually manufactured to put into these other foods and drinks.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
