Sorbitol has 2.6 calories per gram and a GI of only ~4. It is naturally found in apples, pears, and prunes. About 75% reaches the colon unabsorbed, where fermentation produces gas and osmotic water retention. Tolerance threshold is ~20–30 g/day, lower than xylitol or erythritol.
How should I track Sorbitol?
When tracking Sorbitol, measuring by weight on a kitchen scale gives you the most precision. Volume measures vary depending on crystal size and powder density — a heaping spoonful can be double a level one. Research shows visual estimation errors reach 50–200% for calorie-dense foods (Almiron-Roig et al., Appetite 2013), and liquid sweeteners like honey are among the easiest to over-pour. For zero-calorie sweeteners, bulking agents add trace calories (2–4 per packet) — negligible in your daily total. For calorie-containing sweeteners, the scale is essential.