1Sorbitol

SORBITOL, MANNITOL & ISOMALT
• 2022 BUYING GUIDE •

On my quest to discover all sweeteners with sorbitol, mannitol, and isomalt on store shelves across the country, I found about 20 products.
See here the complete list and how they compare. I found about 20 products.

Click the Try it button of each sweetener to be linked to Amazon

where you can read reviews, labels, Q&As, and price.

Affiliate links help keep this content free (Full disclosure)

FAQs about Sorbitol, Mannitol & Isomalt

Is Sorbitol Natural or Synthetic? Where Does Mannitol Come From? Sorbitol and mannitol were the first polyols to become available as sweeteners. Both are found in nature, but the store-bought sorbitol and mannitol are synthetically produced from glucose and fructose, respectively. The most common and more cost-effective raw materials for both polyols are either cornstarch or glucose syrups. What is Isomalt Made of? Isomalt is another polyol but, unlike sorbitol and mannitol, it is not found in nature and is made artificially from beet sugar (sucrose). All three sweeteners are synthetic, but sorbitol and mannitol may be labeled as "natural," as they are found in nature. Isomalt cannot because it is not naturally occurring.

How is Sorbitol Sold in Stores? Sorbitol is available in powder form and is used as the main ingredient in sugar-free pancake (waffle) syrups, where it is combined with high-intensity sweeteners (see image above). Mannitol is sold only in powder form due to its low solubility (only 22g dissolves in 100mL water). What do You Use Isomalt For? You can buy isomalt as granules or as a fine powder. It is often used for hard candy making and sugar work as it doesn't crystallize, has a shiny look, and is easily colored & flavored. Unlike regular sugar, isomalt stays flexible for a longer period of time.

Does Sorbitol Absorb Moisture? Sorbitol has an affinity for water and absorbs humidity from its surroundings (very hygroscopic) so it should be stored in an airtight container. Mannitol and isomalt can be stored on the table on a sugar bowl as they have low hygroscopicity. Isomalt has the highest resistance to humidity of all three.

How Does Sorbitol Taste Like? Sorbitol and mannitol have a strong cooling effect when dissolved in the mouth. It feels like you are sucking a mint but without the mint flavor. Isomalt does not produce a cooling effect. Sorbitol, mannitol, and isomalt are about half as sweet as table sugar; 1 teaspoon of table sugar = 2 teaspoons of sorbitol/mannitol/isomalt.

Is Sorbitol Bad for Teeth? No. Polyols are tooth-friendly as they do not react with bacteria in the mouth and do not cause tooth decay. Visit my Tooth Friendly Sweeteners to learn more. The Food and Drug Administration allows polyols' labels to carry claims such as "does not promote," "may reduce the risk of," and "useful in not promoting" caries.

How do Sorbitol, Mannitol, and Isomalt Behave in Our Body? A portion of the amount ingested is slowly digested into glucose. The rest goes to the large intestine. Sorbitol & mannitol are slowly absorbed in the small intestine and metabolized by the liver, mostly as fructose. Fructose, unlike glucose, does not immediately increase blood sugar levels [see infographic below for the explanation] and is converted to glucose without insulin. Sorbitol & mannitol don't significantly increase blood sugar levels [there is a time delay from when fructose is digested to when it becomes available as glucose]. Isomalt is hardly broken down and absorbed in the small intestine, being mainly fermented by the microbiota (beneficial microbes) in the large intestine.

What is their Glycemic Index and "Net Carbs"? Take a look at the infographics below to learn what they mean. Sorbitol has a glycemic index (GI) of 9 and mannitol about zero. Isomalt has a GI of 2. To calculate their "net carbs" per serving, we can subtract about half of the amount listed on the nutrition facts label as "sugar alcohol" from the total carbohydrates. Questions about the glycemic index and "net carbs" of sweeteners? Refer to the images below.

How Many Calories? Polyols, like table sugar, are carbohydrates. However, a portion of the sorbitol, mannitol, or isomalt we eat (from around 50 to 75 percent) is not metabolized and so they contribute fewer calories than table sugar. According to the FDA regulation for nutrition labels, one gram of sorbitol provides 2.6 cal; about 8 cal per teaspoon (3g). Mannitol provides 1.6 calories per gram; about 7 calories per teaspoon (about 4g). Isomalt provides 2.0 calories per gram; about 12 calories per teaspoon (6g); when in nib form it provides 10 cal per nib (about 5g).

What are the Bad Side Effects of Sorbitol, Mannitol, and Isomalt?: Adverse effects are a consequence of undigested polyols reaching the large intestine, and they include a variety of gastrointestinal issues. Bloating, stomach rumble, flatulence, cramps, and diarrhea are commonly associated with excessive intake. The uncomfortable digestive effects you might feel are similar to those experienced when having too many high-fiber foods (beans). Sorbitol, mannitol, and isomalt are FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols) carbohydrates and should not be consumed by people with "irritable bowel syndrome" (IBS).

WhatSugar Blog is reader-supported.

When you buy through Amazon links, this blog may earn an affiliate commission.

A one-woman business relying on Amazon affiliate commission to avoid ads.

The list above is not intended to endorse, advertise, or recommend products.
We present this listing simply as a service to our readers.