Erythritol
Erythritol is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged, so it delivers bulk and sweetness with 0.2 kcal/g and no glycaemic response.
Key Specifications
| CAS number | 149-32-6 |
|---|---|
| E number | E968 |
| Sweetness | 60-70 percent of sucrose |
| Calories | 0.2 kcal/g |
| Solubility | 37 g/100ml at 25 degrees C |
| Melting point | 121 degrees C |
| Glycaemic index | 0 |
The only bulk sweetener with essentially no calories
Erythritol is absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged, so it delivers bulk and sweetness with 0.2 kcal/g and no glycaemic response. That combination is why keto and diabetic formulations use it as a base rather than as a blend component.
Cooling effect and digestive tolerance
It has a noticeable cooling sensation from its high negative heat of solution, which suits mint and beverages but is wrong for chocolate unless blended. Digestive tolerance is far better than other polyols because most is absorbed before reaching the colon.
Typical Applications
- Sugar-free chocolate — Blended with inulin or polydextrose to reduce the cooling effect.
- Keto and diabetic products — As the bulk sweetener base where calories must be near zero.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it feel cooling?
High negative heat of solution. Blending with another polyol or a bulking fibre reduces it.
Can it replace sugar 1:1?
At about 70 percent sweetness by weight, so use 1.3 times the sugar weight and adjust liquid.
Does it cause laxation?
Rarely at normal intake, unlike sorbitol or maltitol, because most is absorbed.
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