Sweeteners
Sorbitol
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
- sorbitol
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
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener and moisture-retaining agent, mostly in sugar-free products. It is about half as sweet as table sugar and occurs naturally in some fruits, though the commercial version is manufactured. Besides sweetening, it keeps products soft and moist. It is common in sugar-free gum, candy, and diet foods.
Assessment
Why it is flagged
Sorbitol is a well-known digestive trigger, which is the main reason Clear Label flags it. It is a polyol, the P in FODMAP, and it is poorly absorbed in the small intestine, so at moderate doses it draws water into the gut and ferments, which many people associate with gas, bloating, and diarrhea. This effect is well documented and dose-dependent rather than an allergy. US products that could lead to significant sorbitol intake carry a laxative-effect notice, and the FDA recognizes it as an approved sweetener. Unlike some sweeteners it is not calorie-free and can raise blood glucose modestly, which matters to people watching that. Individual tolerance varies widely, so how much triggers symptoms is exactly the kind of threshold worth tracking in your own logs.
In the aisle
Where it commonly shows up
- Sugar-free gum and mints
- Sugar-free and diabetic candy
- Reduced-sugar baked goods
- Sugar-free syrups and jams
- Some chewable tablets and medications
- Low-calorie ice cream and frozen desserts
Practical
Reading the label
Sorbitol is named on ingredient lists and grouped under sugar alcohols on the Nutrition Facts panel where that line appears. In the EU it is E420. Products likely to deliver a high dose often include a note about a possible laxative effect.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid it
Some people who react to sorbitol choose products sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, or simply smaller portions of regular sweetened foods. Others find that erythritol sits better with them, though tolerance varies from person to person.
FAQ
Common questions
Why does sorbitol cause bloating or diarrhea?
It is poorly absorbed in the small intestine, so it pulls water into the gut and is fermented by bacteria. This is a well-documented, dose-dependent effect, and sensitivity differs a lot between people.
Does sorbitol raise blood sugar?
Yes, modestly. Unlike non-caloric sweeteners, sorbitol provides some calories and can raise blood glucose more than sweeteners like stevia, which matters to people tracking that.
Is sorbitol high FODMAP?
Yes. Sorbitol is a polyol and one of the primary FODMAP triggers, which is why people following a low-FODMAP approach often watch for it.
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.