Erythritol

Other names: Butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol, Tetrahydroxybutane

Erythritol, also known as Butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol or Tetrahydroxybutane, is a natural sweetener found in various fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. It is a four-carbon alcohol that belongs to a group of sweeteners known as sugar alcohols or polyols. It is a white crystalline substance that is practically insoluble in fats and oils but dissolves well in water. Erythritol is safe for people with diabetes as it has a low glycaemic index and does not raise blood sugar levels.

Erythritol is mainly found in low-calorie foods where it replaces traditional sugar. It is a popular component of diabetic chocolate, diet baked goods, soft drinks, candy, chewing gum and other diet foods. It can also be used as a sweetener in low-calorie foods or as a dietary supplement for diabetics. Another application is in cosmetic products where it is used as a humectant. It is produced by fermenting glucose with the help of yeast and moulds, a process similar to that used in the production of wine or beer. It is an environmentally friendly and safe method that produces no hazardous waste products. Erythritol is also stable at high temperatures, so it can be used in processes that require heat treatment, such as cooking or baking.