What is Erythritol?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in honey and some fruits such as watermelon, pear, and grape, as well as in certain fermented foods like cheese, wine, and soy sauce.
Erythritol is unique among sugar alcohols, as it is largely absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in the urine, without causing the digestive discomfort associated with other sugar alcohols.
Erythritol is derived from fermenting a type of yeast with glucose from corn or cornstarch.
It tastes about 70% as sweet as table sugar.
Erythritol at a glance
- Prevents high blood glucose levels
- Tooth-friendly
- Low Glycaemic Index
- Prevents and inhibits insulin resistance
What makes Erythritol special
Zero calories
Low Glycaemic Index
Tooth-friendly
Doesn’t spike blood sugar levels
Protect Your Teeth
Sometimes our teeth feel furry after eating or drinking something sugary due to the rapid buildup of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth and harbours acid-producing bacteria. These bacteria feed on the sugars left behind, producing acids that attack the tooth enamel.
However, these bacteria cannot feed on erythritol, which prevents the acids from forming and protects tooth enamel. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed the benefits of isomaltulose for dental health:
“Consumption of drinks containing erythritol instead of sugar contributes to the maintenance of tooth mineralization”
How does the calorie content of erythritol compare to sucrose?
Using the classic ‘a calorie is just a calorie model’ (developed in 1848) it’s hard to see the benefits of some of Dr Coy’s sugars, but when we revise the model to reflect reality, we can see why they energise us very differently.
However, erythritol is zero calorie, which provides a clear contrast to sucrose and does not provide any energy.
Erythritol is well absorbed in the gut but quickly gets excreted unchanged in the urine. We produce erythritol internally as a byproduct of glucose metabolism, so it freely leaves the body unchanged.
| Classic Calories | Fermenting Calories | Oxidising Calories | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erythritol | 0 kcal / g | 0 kcal / g | 0 kcal / g |
| Sucrose | 4 kcal / g | 4 kcal / g | 4 kcal / g |
Oxidising (using oxygen to release pure energy)
Making Energy from Metabolism
- Erythritol does not provide any energy.
- It provides a sweet taste without any calories.
- The glycaemic index (GI) is 0.
- Erythritol is about 70% as sweet as table sugar but has a slightly cool taste.
Erythritol’s zero-calorie effect makes it ideal for:
Diabetes
Weight Management
Children
What scientific evidence supports the use of erythritol?
Explore the latest scientific studies and peer-reviewed research on erythritol. Learn more about Dr Johannes Coy’s extensive research in the field of nutrition and metabolic health.
Frequently asked questions
Is erythritol safe?
Erythritol is generally considered safe for consumption and is well-tolerated by most people. Some individuals may experience digestive issues such as bloating or diarrhea, especially if consumed in large quantities. Which is why Dr Coy’s sugar mixtures combine erythritol with other healthy natural sugars to safely support the body.
Is erythritol good for diabetics?
Yes. Erythritol can help support people with diabetes as it does not raise blood sugar levels and has an extremely low glycaemic index.
Can erythritol be used in cooking and baking?
Yes, erythritol can be used as a sugar substitute for cooking such as sweetening beverages or as a topping for fruit, but it cannot be used by itself for baking. It does not caramelize or brown like table sugar does. It can also have a slightly grainy texture when used in high concentrations.
Does erythritol raise blood sugar levels?
No, erythritol does not raise blood sugar levels as it is not metabolized by the body in the same way as table sugar.
Does erythritol raise insulin levels?
No, erythritol does not raise insulin levels as it is not metabolized by the body in the same way as table sugar.
Is erythritol healthy?
Erythritol is a healthier alternative to table sugar as it contains zero calories and does not have an impact on blood sugar levels.
What is erythritol made from?
Erythritol is made from fermented corn or cornstarch.
Is erythritol keto-friendly?
Yes, erythritol is a popular sugar alternative for those following a ketogenic diet as it does not have an impact on blood sugar levels.
Is erythritol fructose-free?
Yes, erythritol does not contain fructose (making it suitable for people who are sensitive or intolerant to fructose).
Is erythritol lactose-free?
Yes, erythritol does not contain lactose, making it suitable for people who are lactose intolerant).
Is erythritol gluten-free?
Yes, erythritol does not contain gluten (but could contain traces depending on manufacturing processes).
Is erythritol safe for cancer patients?
There is no evidence to suggest that erythritol has any negative effects on cancer patients. In fact, it is often used as a sugar substitute in low-carb and sugar-free products for those undergoing cancer treatment.
What does erythritol taste like?
Erythritol has a similar taste and sweetness to sugar but has a cooling effect on the tongue when consumed by itself.
Where can I buy erythritol?
The best way to incorporate erythritol into your diet is by using Dr Coy’s sugar mixtures. These mixtures have been scientifically developed to help lead a healthier lifestyle. Discover the full range of Dr Coy’s sugar mixtures from our partners.
Research & Resources
Further Studies
- Erythritol: An In-Depth Discussion of Its Potential to Be a Beneficial Dietary Component
This review evaluates erythritol as a healthy sugar substitute by summarizing current literature regarding erythritol’s safety, production, metabolism, and health effects.
- Temporal sweetness and side tastes profiles of 16 sweeteners using temporal check- all-that-apply (TCATA)
This study aimed to compare the temporal sweetness and qualitative differences of 15 sweeteners to sucrose. Various sweeteners from different groups were evaluated by 20 participants using the Temporal Check-all-that-Apply (TCATA) method.