3 ms·

Why don't they just use xylitol/isomalt or any of the other natural, calorie-free, nice tasting sugars? Presumably because they're expensive, but if sold in bu

Why don't they just use xylitol/isomalt or any of the other natural, calorie-free, nice tasting sugars? Presumably because they're expensive, but if sold in bulk I'm sure they could bring prices down acceptably...

TylerE 12y ago
Because diet = 0 calories. Xylitol = 66% of calories of normal sugar. It has dental benefits and LESS calories but it doesn't let them put the magic zero on the can. Similar deal with isomalt. Both also tend to cause, erm, digestive issues in larger quantities as well.
therealdrag0 12y ago
I have also wondered why xylitol isn't used more. For example, in Korea there are major gum brands that are entirely xylitol based. Where as US gums are fractionally sweetened with xylitol. Health Benefits of xylitol: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol#Health_benefits http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol#Health_benefits
hawkice 12y ago
As someone who has purchased bags of xylitol and added them to lemonade, tea, etc.: It's because it tastes bad. Odd that any sugar could taste bad, but it's true. It's not _that_ expensive, but normal sugar is so cheap (not to mention HFCS, which has got to be even cheaper) that price is still a plausible issue. But more likely, the taste preferences of Americans is just so sweet that we can't appreciate xylitol as a sweetener.
- therealdrag0 12y ago
  The xylitol doesn't taste good? Because I've considered doing that too.
dbbolton 12y ago
High consumption of sugar alcohols causes GI upset in a lot of people, which is why you usually only see them used in small quantities (gum, mints, or non-edibles like toothpaste and mouthwash). Russel-Stover makes sugar-free chocolates, peanut butter cups, and other confections that rely on sugar alcohols and sucralose to replace the missing sugar. They carry a warning on the bag that eating more than 3 pieces may cause diarrhea.
- itsybitsycoder 12y ago
  Yup, I have a huge sweet tooth but I try to stick to a keto diet because it has helped me keep my weight down without having to be hungry. I have personally experienced the intense regret of eating an entire package of maltitol chocolates/gummy bears on multiple occasions. It's a good way to train yourself not to each so much freaking candy in one sitting.

TylerE 12y ago

Because diet = 0 calories. Xylitol = 66% of calories of normal sugar. It has dental benefits and LESS calories but it doesn't let them put the magic zero on the can. Similar deal with isomalt. Both also tend to cause, erm, digestive issues in larger quantities as well.

therealdrag0 12y ago

I have also wondered why xylitol isn't used more. For example, in Korea there are major gum brands that are entirely xylitol based. Where as US gums are fractionally sweetened with xylitol. Health Benefits of xylitol: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol#Health_benefits http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol#Health_benefits

hawkice 12y ago

As someone who has purchased bags of xylitol and added them to lemonade, tea, etc.: It's because it tastes bad. Odd that any sugar could taste bad, but it's true. It's not _that_ expensive, but normal sugar is so cheap (not to mention HFCS, which has got to be even cheaper) that price is still a plausible issue. But more likely, the taste preferences of Americans is just so sweet that we can't appreciate xylitol as a sweetener.

therealdrag0 12y ago
The xylitol doesn't taste good? Because I've considered doing that too.

dbbolton 12y ago

High consumption of sugar alcohols causes GI upset in a lot of people, which is why you usually only see them used in small quantities (gum, mints, or non-edibles like toothpaste and mouthwash). Russel-Stover makes sugar-free chocolates, peanut butter cups, and other confections that rely on sugar alcohols and sucralose to replace the missing sugar. They carry a warning on the bag that eating more than 3 pieces may cause diarrhea.

itsybitsycoder 12y ago
Yup, I have a huge sweet tooth but I try to stick to a keto diet because it has helped me keep my weight down without having to be hungry. I have personally experienced the intense regret of eating an entire package of maltitol chocolates/gummy bears on multiple occasions. It's a good way to train yourself not to each so much freaking candy in one sitting.