Rating: Cut Back

Sugar-free sweetener: Candy, chocolates, jams, and other sugar-free foods.
Maltitol, a sugar alcohol, is made by hydrogenating maltose, which is obtained from corn syrup. (Unlike hydrogenated oils, no trans fat forms when maltose is hydrogenated.) Like other sugar alcohols, maltitol is not absorbed well by the body (which means it has only about half as many calories as sugar), and it does not promote tooth decay. However, large amounts (above 20 to 30 grams) may have a laxative effect.

Support CSPI today

As a nonprofit organization that takes no donations from industry or government, CSPI relies on the support of donors to continue our work in securing a safe, nutritious, and transparent food system. Every donation—no matter how small—helps CSPI continue improving food access, removing harmful additives, strengthening food safety, conducting and reviewing research, and reforming food labeling.

Please support CSPI today, and consider contributing monthly. Thank you.

$3 $5 $7 $10 other