3 Roles of Sorbitol in Candy Manufacturing

Sorbitol is a type of polyol (sugar alcohol) widely used in both pharmaceuticals and food as a sweetener, humectant, and diluent excipient. While commonly utilized, this excipient is not entirely harmless if consumed excessively. Intake of more than 10 grams per day may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea or abdominal discomfort in some individuals, although the incidence is relatively low.

1. What is Sorbitol ?

Sorbitol is a polyol that functions as a sweetener, humectant, and diluent excipient in pharmaceutical and food applications—typically found in chewable tablets and syrups.

Regarding physicochemical properties, it appears as a white crystalline powder or colorless crystals, odorless, with a sweet taste. It is described in pharmacopeial standards such as the USP–NF and EP:

Freely soluble in water and practically insoluble in ethanol (according to EP).
Approximately 50–60% as sweet as sucrose and provides 2.6 kcal/g—significantly lower than table sugar (4 calo/g).

About oral bioavailability, Sorbitol is slowly and incompletely absorbed in the small intestine. The unabsorbed portion undergoes fermentation in the colon, producing short-chain fatty acids that support colonic health.

However, studies have shown that sorbitol may affect the bioavailability of certain drugs—particularly those classified under BCS (Biopharmaceutics Classification System) classes II and III. For example, it may reduce the absorption of risperidone or lamivudine when administered in solution form. Conversely, for BCS class I drugs like theophylline, bioavailability in immediate-release forms is typically unaffected, but may be reduced in extended-release formulations.

There is an additional pharmacological effect that it is also used as an over-the-counter osmotic laxative, with a dosage range of 30–150 mL of a 70% solution per dose. It works by drawing water into the colon and stimulating bowel movements, an aspect that might surprise those who are only familiar with its role as a pharmaceutical excipient

2. What is Sorbitol Used for in Candy Manufacturing ?

In the confectionery industry, sorbitol is a multifunctional ingredient—especially prevalent in glucose-free candies. Its key roles include:

Sweetener: With about 60% the sweetness of sucrose and only 2.6 kcal/g, it is ideal for diet-friendly or diabetic candies, contributing minimal glycemic impact.
Humectant: it helps maintain moisture content, preventing candies from drying out or hardening. This is especially critical for hard candies and chewing gums, ensuring they retain a soft texture (avoiding crystallization and maintaining an amorphous state) and freshness over time.
Texture Enhancer: it functions as a softener, improving the mouthfeel of products such as chewy candies and soft confections

3. Safety Regulations and Usage Limits

Sorbitol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA under 21 CFR 184.1835, and is permitted for use in food products under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

In pharmaceuticals, sorbitol has relatively high acceptable daily intake limits for oral administration in various dosage forms, including: Chewable tablets: up to 3,555 mg/day; Chewy candies: up to 6,168 mg/day; Oral liquids: up to 53,460 mg/day…

Safety Regulations and Usage Limits
Despite its widespread use in food and pharmaceutical products, excessive consumption may pose risks. Intakes above 10 grams per day may cause diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.

When consumed in large amounts, especially over 50 grams per day, sorbitol may exert a laxative effect, potentially leading to digestive disturbances, diarrhea, and intestinal imbalance. If daily consumption may exceed this threshold, food products must include a warning label: “Excessive consumption may cause a laxative effect.”

Therefore, the FDA advises consumers to read product labels carefully, monitor their daily intake of sorbitol, and consult healthcare professionals if any unusual symptoms occur.

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