• Bulk sweetener which can be blended with low-calorie sweeteners (e.g., acesulfame potassium and aspartame) and/or other polyols(e.g., sorbitol and xylitol)
• Clean sweet taste with no aftertaste.
• Reduced-calorie sweetener with only 0.2 calories per gram.
• Potential use in a variety of low-calorie, low-fat and sugar-free foods, from candies to yogurts.
• Beneficial for people with diabetes because it does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels.
• Does not contribute to the formation of dental caries.

The safety of erythritol as a food ingredient under conditions of its intended use is substantiated by a number of human and animal safety studies, including short and long term feeding, multi-generation reproduction and teratology studies.

The U.S. GRAS affirmation petition states erythritol is intended for use as a flavor enhancer, formulation aid, humectant, nutritive sweetener, stabilizer and thickener, suquestrant and texturizer. The petition lists maximum erythritol use levels of 100% in sugar substitutes, 50% in hard candies, 40% in soft candies, 1.5% in reduced and low calorie beverages, 60% in fat based creams for cookies, cakes and pastries, 7% in dietetic cookies and wafers, and 60% in chewing gum.

Erythritol has been used in Japan since 1990 in candies, chocolates, soft drinks, chewing gums, yogurts, fillings, cookie coatings, jellies, jams and sugar substitutes. Petitions have been submitted to additional governmental agencies throughout the world to expand the use of erythritol.

SOURCE: This information has been provided with the kind permission of the Calorie Control Council, www.caloriecontrol.org