Sugar alcohols are often substitutes for sugar in food and often appear in sugar-free products. Common ones include maltitol, lactitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH), and sorbitol.

This substance’s main claim to fame is that sugar alcohols don’t cause cavities, which is why you’ll see these alcohols in sugar-free chewing gum. However, sugar alcohols in food do not necessarily mean the food is low-carb or diet-friendly in general. Also, some annoying side effects from eating too many sugar alcohols can be bloating and diarrhea.