What Products Contain Sorbitol?

Sorbitol--a sugar alcohol--is a sweetener used in place of sugar. Sorbitol is found naturally in fruits--especially apples, pears and cherries--but is produced industrially for addition to foods and other products. Sorbitol tastes sweet but is poorly absorbed by the body, so it doesn't contribute as many calories or raise the blood sugar as much as regular sugar. Because sorbitol is poorly absorbed, it can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea if more than 50 grams are consumed, according to IDEA Health and Fitness Association.

Dietetic Foods

Many foods marketed to diabetics and those on reduced-calorie diets contain sorbitol. Sorbitol is found in some sugar-free pancake syrups; sugar-free brownie, cake, pancake and cookie mixes; low-calorie, no-sugar-added fruit spreads; and sugar-free prepared cookies, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, or CSPI. Read the label to find out which products contain sorbitol. Other sweeteners similar to sorbitol include mannitol, isomalt, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol and maltitol.

Candy and Gum

Sugar-free hard candy and other types of sugar-free candies, gum and chocolate commonly contain sorbitol. Read nutrition labels, but be aware that food manufacturers aren't required to list sorbitol or other sugar alcohols on nutrition labels, IDEA warns. Many diabetics mistakenly believe that products labeled "no added sugar" or "sugar free" won't affect their blood sugar, but the carbohydrate and calorie counts of these products must be added to their daily food plan. Also, because people with diabetes are prone to overeat these "sugar-free" foods, their blood sugar can become significantly elevated.

Granular Sorbitol

Granular sorbitol, which is added directly to foods and beverages similar to sugar, is available for purchase. The Now Foods brand of granular sorbitol has 4 g of sorbitol per teaspoon, according to CSPI.

Medicines and Personal Care products

Sorbitol is used to sweeten some toothpastes, cough medicines and other products, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Cheaper ways to produce sorbitol and other similar sweeteners is causing increased use in a growing variety of foods and products.