What is sugar alcohol?

Sugar Alcohols are like compounds of sugar molecules & alcohol molecules. Despite the Alcohol part of the name, they do not contain any intoxicants, the compound that gets you intoxicated. So they're safe for drinkers or those who avoid alcohol.

They have a similar bond arrangement as sugar; they can trigger the sweet taste sense organ on the tongue. But unlike artificial and low-calorie sweetening, sugar alcohols do still contain calories, just less than regular sugar. 

What are the classifications of sugar alcohol?

There are many types commonly used as everyday sweeteners, including:

• Xylitol: found naturally in straw, corncobs, fruit, vegetables, grains, and mushrooms
• Erythritol: occurs in some fruit and fermented foods
• Sorbitol: exists in fruits and vegetables.
• Maltitol: in pineapples, olives, asparagus, sweet potatoes and carrots

What are the benefits of using sugar alcohol?

• have a lower impact on blood sugar levels
• have low calorie value.
• don’t decay your teeth, unlike unrestrained sugar exhaustion.

What are the drawbacks of using sugar alcohol?

• cause bloating and diarrhoea if consumed in large amount,
• cause problems for digestive tract as being less digestible.