Erythritol occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods. It delivers about 70% of the sweetness of table sugar, yet only 0.2 calories per gram (often rounded to zero on nutrition labels). Most of it absorbs in the small intestine and leaves the body unchanged in urine, so it causes less digestive trouble than other sugar alcohols. It barely moves blood sugar and does not feed tooth decay. That makes it a common choice for keto and diabetic-friendly recipes.
People use it as a sugar replacement in cooking, baking, and drinks, usually in powdered or granulated form. Because the body does not fully break it down, it can leave a cooling sensation in the mouth.
Doses above 50 grams each day can trigger gas, bloating, or diarrhea. There is no clear evidence that erythritol is toxic to dogs, but it’s smart to keep all sweeteners away from pets. Some observational studies have tied high blood levels of erythritol to cardiovascular risk. It is not yet known whether erythritol from food drives this. People with heart concerns may want to limit their intake.