Sweeteners
Maltitol
Definition
What it is
Sugar alcohol: commonly found in 'sugar-free' products; can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea at moderate doses; maltitol and sorbitol still raise blood glucose. Most sugar alcohols are high-FODMAP polyols (the 'P' in FODMAP); sorbitol and mannitol are the primary triggers, while xylitol, maltitol, isomalt, and lactitol all carry similar GI risk in sensitive individuals.
On the label
How it appears on labels
- maltitol
Regulation
Regulatory status
No bans or restrictions are recorded for this ingredient in the jurisdictions clearlabel tracks (US, EU, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia/NZ, Brazil).
Explainer
In plain language
Maltitol is a sugar alcohol used to sweeten and bulk out sugar-free and reduced-sugar foods. It is made from starch, usually corn or wheat, and tastes almost as sweet as table sugar while adding fewer calories. Its sugar-like behavior makes it popular in candies and baked goods where texture matters.
Assessment
Why it is flagged
Maltitol is authorized by the FDA and reviewed in the EU, and its main documented issue is digestive rather than systemic. Because it is only partly absorbed, it is associated with gas, bloating, and a laxative effect at moderate to high doses, which is why products heavy in it often carry an excess-consumption notice. It is a high-FODMAP polyol, so people with IBS or sensitive digestion may react to smaller amounts. Unlike some sugar alcohols, maltitol still raises blood glucose noticeably, so it is not a zero-impact sweetener for people watching blood sugar. Sensitivity and blood sugar response both vary, which makes it a good fit for testing in your own logs rather than assuming.
In the aisle
Where it commonly shows up
- Sugar-free chocolate and candy
- Reduced-sugar cookies and baked goods
- Sugar-free chewing gum
- Low-carb and keto-marketed treats
- Sugar-free ice cream
- Protein and meal-replacement bars
Practical
Reading the label
It is listed by name as maltitol or as maltitol syrup, often grouped with other sweeteners. A line warning that excess consumption may have a laxative effect is a reliable sign that a sugar alcohol like maltitol is doing much of the sweetening.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid it
People who react to sugar alcohols or want less blood sugar impact sometimes choose products sweetened with stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol, which is often better tolerated. Comparing labels helps, since maltitol content varies a lot between brands.
FAQ
Common questions
Does maltitol raise blood sugar?
Yes, more than several other sugar alcohols. Maltitol has a meaningful effect on blood glucose, so it is not a zero-impact sweetener for people managing blood sugar.
Why does maltitol cause digestive issues?
It is only partly absorbed and ferments in the gut, which is associated with gas, bloating, and a laxative effect at higher doses. It is a high-FODMAP polyol, so sensitive people may react to smaller amounts.
Is maltitol better than sugar?
It has fewer calories than sugar but still affects blood glucose and can cause digestive discomfort. Whether it suits you depends on your own tolerance and goals, which you can track in your logs.
Citations
Sources
Citation
Primary reference
About this page: the definition, label names, severity, and regulatory chips come from the clearlabel ingredient taxonomy, the same data the scanner uses to score products. Research summaries describe associations reported in published studies, not diagnoses; individual responses vary. Scan any product with clearlabel to see which of its ingredients carry flags.