Erythritol (Pure Polyol)

Sugars & Alternative Sweeteners · 9 specs

Direct Answer

Erythritol is a 4-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol) produced via yeast fermentation. It possesses 70% the sweetness of sucrose with virtually zero calories (0.24 kcal/g), a glycemic index of 0, zero net effective carbs, and superior gastrointestinal tolerance.

Source: EFSA Scientific Opinion / USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 173489) · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

Relative Sweetness Index	70 (70% of Sucrose)
Energy / Calories	20 (Official US label: 0 kcal) kcal
Glycemic Index (GI)	0 (Zero insulin spike)
Total Carbohydrates	100.0 (Sugar Alcohol) g
Net Effective Carbohydrates	0.0 (Zero glycemic impact) g
Molecular Composition	4-Carbon Sugar Alcohol (Tetritol)
Dental Caries Risk	Non-Cariogenic (Inhibits oral bacteria)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	0.66 g / kg body weight per day
Cooling Sensation (Heat of Solution)	-43 cal/g (Noticeable endothermic cooling)

Small Molecule Absorption & GI Tolerance

Unlike maltitol or sorbitol which ferment extensively in the large intestine causing gastric distress, ~90% of erythritol is absorbed rapidly in the small intestine and excreted intact in urine without systemic metabolism.