Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, is a humectant, sweetener, and texturizer frequently utilized in the food industry. It’s found naturally in some fruits but is more commonly added as a manufacturing ingredient. Examples include certain sugar-free candies, chewing gums, diet sodas, and processed fruits.
Its appeal lies in providing sweetness with fewer calories than sucrose and acting as a moisture-retaining agent. These properties make it suitable for diabetic-friendly products and applications where maintaining texture and preventing dryness is crucial. The compound has a history rooted in natural sources before industrial production methods were developed.