Erythritol
Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener in many sugar-free and keto-friendly products. Found in fruits like grapes, pears, and melons, it’s typically made through the fermentation of corn or wheat starch using yeast. Erythritol tastes about 70% as sweet as sugar but contains zero net carbs and almost no calories (0.24 calories per gram).
Unlike other sugar alcohols, erythritol doesn’t spike blood sugar or insulin levels, making it a popular choice for people with diabetes, low-carb diets, or weight loss goals. It’s also tooth-friendly and less likely to cause digestive upset compared to alternatives like maltitol or sorbitol.
💡 Is Erythritol Safe?
It doesn’t seem so. While it’s still labelled Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, emerging evidence suggests erythritol may not be as harmless as once believed, even with low consumption.
While often marketed as a “natural” and “safe” alternative to sugar, recent studies have raised serious concerns. A July 2025 study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that erythritol can impair brain cell function and increase blood clotting, which may raise the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events – especially in those with pre-existing health conditions.
Erythritol is Commonly Found In:
- Sugar-free candy and gum
- Keto protein bars and baked goods
- Sweetener blends (e.g., monk fruit + erythritol, stevia + erythritol)
- Brands like Swerve, Lakanto, and Truvia
Erythritol is Also Known As:
E968, sugar alcohol, fermented sugar substitute
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