Polyols
Polyols, also called sugar alcohols, are a class of carbohydrates that taste sweet but are only partially absorbed by the human gut. Common examples include erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol, and isomalt. They feature heavily in low-sugar protein bars.
Why It Matters
Polyols deliver sweetness with reduced calorie and glycemic impact compared to sugar. The downside is that the unabsorbed fraction reaches the large intestine where gut bacteria ferment it, sometimes causing bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially at doses above 20 to 30 grams per day.
Tolerance varies by individual and by specific polyol. Erythritol is the gentlest because most of it is absorbed and excreted unchanged. Maltitol is the harshest and most likely to cause digestive issues at protein-bar doses.
How to Spot It on a Label
Polyols appear under Sugar Alcohols on the Nutrition Facts panel, usually broken out below Total Sugars. Net carb calculations typically subtract polyols from total carbs. Watch for maltitol if you have a sensitive gut.
Examples from real products
Related Terms
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