Sorbitol belongs to the sugar alcohol group polyols. Discovered in 1872, sorbitol has a long history of use in food and oral care products. Consumers may know it as a replacement for sugar, but sorbitol has other properties that make it a good additive in processed foods. It mixes well with other ingredients, and it retains moisture, which helps keep foods from drying out. In some users, sorbitol consumed in large amounts, habitual gum-chewing for instance, causes intestinal maladies such as diarrhea. Otherwise, the FDA classifies sorbitol as "generally recognized as safe."
Food Uses
Sorbitol does not cause tooth decay and has one-third fewer calories than sugar, according to CalorieControl.org. At 10.4 calories per teaspoon, approximately 4 grams, it makes a good alternative to sugar, which has 15 calories per teaspoon and erodes tooth enamel. For diabetics, choosing sorbitol products over sugar goods means fewer spikes in blood glucose because sorbitol takes longer to metabolize. Sorbitol can be found in chewing gum, sugar-free candies, frozen desserts and baked goods.
Hygienic Uses
The FDA has approved the use of package labeling that says "does not cause tooth decay" on products that include sorbitol and very little or no sugar. Because toothpaste and mouthwash become more palatable when sweetened, sorbitol and other sugar alcohols supply a pleasant taste without erosion of tooth enamel. Sorbitol's nonfood applications reflect the polyol's ability to blend cohesively with other ingredients and its propensity to retain moisture. These products include cosmetics, hair coloring, hair care and shaving cream.
Edible Product Brands
"Sweet 'N Low" makes a powdered sweetener, as well as a sugar-free pancake mix, a sugar-free chocolate chip cookie mix and several cake mixes using sorbitol. Also in the cake mix business, Bernard Food Industries produces brownie mix, butterscotch brownie mix, chocolate chip cookie mix, oatmeal cookie mix and a variety of cake mixes, all sweetened with sorbitol. The Estee Company has a pancake mix and lemon crème wafers that contain sorbitol, and Smuckers makes a sorbitol-sweetened hot fudge topping and breakfast syrup. Ricola brand cough drop pearls contain sorbitol, and the sugar-free breath mint brand Certs comes in assorted flavors. The brand Fifty 50 sells sorbitol-containing hard candy and strawberry spread.
Oral Care Products
You will find sorbitol on the list of ingredients for various oral-care products. Listerine anti-cavity fluoride toothpaste contains sorbitol, and Sensodyne markets fresh-mint toothpaste for sensitive gums containing sorbitol. Tom's brand includes toothpaste and mouthwash. Rembrandt makes a stain-removing mouthwash and breath mints. Biotane makes antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash.
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