An interesting line of products in our assortment is PASTICCERIA ZERO, a selection of mixes sweetened with erythritol instead of sugar (i.e., sucrose, which results from the combination of glucose and fructose). 

Let’s explore this fascinating ingredient — erythritol — which is gaining increasing attention among sweeteners, representing a valuable alternative not only to sugar but also to other natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic sweeteners...

Erythritol is a natural sweetener used as a substitute for table sugar (sucrose, derived from glucose and fructose). 

Like sugar, it appears as small white crystals and has a sweet taste, but not quite the same — its sweetening power is estimated at around 60–70% of that of sugar.

When dissolved in water, erythritol gives a refreshing sensation on the tongue. It’s ideal for preparing summer beverages but is also suitable for year-round dessert recipes.

Erythritol occurs naturally in plant-based products such as fruits and corn, and is extracted through a fermentation process in dedicated bioreactors.

Until just a few decades ago, erythritol was virtually unknown. Japan and the United States were among the first to use it in food products around the 1990s. Later, in 2006, the European Commission included erythritol in the list of food additives (2006/52/EC) and gave final approval in 2008 (2008/100/EC), assigning it the additive code E968.

Over time, its properties became better known, especially its near-zero caloric and nutritional value. The European Commission assigned erythritol an energy value of 0 Kcal/g, although in reality it can range up to a maximum of 22 Kcal per 100 grams. For comparison, sugar contains around 392 Kcal per 100 grams!

This is the main reason why erythritol is becoming increasingly relevant among sweeteners, offering a real alternative to synthetic, semi-synthetic, and even other natural sweeteners like stevia. While stevia also has a zero-calorie value, it can have significant laxative effects (no more than 4 mg of stevia per kg of body weight is recommended) and a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Compared to sugar, erythritol has the advantage of a glycemic index of zero, avoiding blood sugar spikes linked to sugar consumption during meals.

It is ideal for diabetic patients or individuals with impaired glucose metabolism. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) occurs when glucose levels in the blood rise significantly above normal. It may cause fatigue, headaches, unexplained weight loss, frequent urination (especially at night), blurred vision, and various infections. In more serious cases, it can lead to acute complications.

Erythritol also has a reduced cariogenic activity — it helps protect the oral cavity from bacterial colonization. It has been shown that erythritol is not converted into acid by oral bacteria, thus helping prevent tooth decay. It may also, like xylitol, protect against plaque buildup.

Compared to synthetic sweeteners, erythritol is readily absorbed by the intestinal mucosa and quickly excreted via the kidneys. It does not accumulate in the intestinal lumen, thereby reducing the likelihood of diarrhea or abdominal cramping.



A bit of chemistry

Erythritol is a polyol (sugar alcohol) containing four carbon atoms (chemical formula: C4H10O4).

What is a polyol (or sugar alcohol)? It's a chemical compound containing multiple hydroxyl groups (-OH). These determine its sweet taste, its non-cariogenic nature (does not cause cavities), its low or zero caloric value, and its low glycemic and insulin index.

Thanks to its small molecular size (four carbon atoms) and low molecular weight (122.12 g mol⁻¹), more than 90% of the ingested erythritol is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine, not metabolized, and promptly excreted in urine. The remaining 10% is only partially metabolized in the large intestine.


Disclaimer

The information provided here is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For a healthy and balanced diet, always refer to your doctor or a qualified nutritionist.

Further reading sources

https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythritol

https://www.humanitas.it/.../erythritol/

https://www.fondazioneveronesi.it/.../erythritol-pros-and-cons

https://www.my-personaltrainer.it/.../erythritol.html