Sorbitol Intolerance

Sorbitol intolerance is a digestive disorder that makes it difficult to properly absorb this polyol, a type of sugar alcohol. As a result, even small amounts can cause discomfort such as bloating, gas or diarrhea. Understanding what sorbitol is, where it is found and how to manage it in everyday life is key to improving digestive well-being.

What is sorbitol?

Sorbitol is a natural sweetener that belongs to the polyol group. It is found naturally in certain fruits and is also used in the food industry because it provides sweetness with fewer calories.

It is commonly found in:

• Fruits, especially stone fruits
• “Sugar-free” products
• Chewing gum and hard candy
• Processed foods with sweeteners
• Medications and dietary supplements
• Some personal care products, such as toothpaste and mouth sprays

People with sorbitol intolerance have a reduced ability to absorb sorbitol in the small intestine, leading to fermentation in the colon and digestive symptoms.

Foods to avoid or limit with sorbitol intolerance

The best way to manage sorbitol intolerance is to avoid or limit foods that are particularly high in sorbitol. The most problematic are usually:

• Fruits high in sorbitol

  Plums, pears, apples, peaches, apricots and nectarines.
  Dried fruits or fruits in syrup can also be problematic because they concentrate sorbitol.

• “Sugar-free” or “light” products

  Cookies, chocolates, yogurts, cereals and other foods labeled as “sugar-free”.
  These often contain sorbitol, also known as E-420, or other polyols such as maltitol or xylitol.

• Sugar-free chewing gum and candy

  These are often sweetened with sorbitol and other polyols, which are fermentable in the gut.

• Sweetened drinks and soft drinks

  Sweetened juices, soft drinks and energy drinks labeled as “sugar-free” may contain sorbitol or other polyols.

• Processed foods

  Snacks, sauces, energy bars, bread and baked goods may contain sorbitol, E-420, as a humectant.

• Medications

  Some syrups, liquid medications and dietary supplements contain sorbitol as an inactive ingredient.
  Always check the ingredients before taking them.

Food table for sorbitol intolerance

Foods high in sorbitol, avoid or limit	Foods low in sorbitol, generally well tolerated
Plums, pears, apples	Bananas, grapes, berries
Peaches, apricots, nectarines	Citrus fruits
Juices made from these fruits	Low-FODMAP vegetables
Sugar-free products with polyols	Sweetener-free cereals
Sugar-free chewing gum and candy	Meat, fish and eggs
Snacks and processed foods with E-420, such as ready-made supermarket bread	Certified sorbitol-free products

Note: Tolerance varies from person to person. Introducing foods gradually helps identify your individual threshold.

Practical tips for living with sorbitol intolerance

When symptoms of sorbitol intolerance appear, such as bloating, gas or digestive discomfort, it is important to learn how to identify sources of this polyol and adjust your diet gradually. These tips can help you better manage everyday life and reduce related discomfort:

• 1. Always read labels

  Carefully check the ingredients of all the products you consume. Look for terms such as sorbitol, E-420, polyols or sugar alcohols.

• 2. Avoid “sugar-free” or “no added sugar” products

  These products often replace sugar with sorbitol or other polyols. Avoiding them may help reduce digestive symptoms.

• 3. Choose fruits low in polyols

  Choose fruits such as citrus fruits or berries instead of apples or pears. This allows you to enjoy fruit without overloading your digestive system.

• 4. Introduce new foods gradually

  Everyone has a different tolerance threshold. Adding foods gradually helps identify what you can eat without discomfort.

• 5. Choose natural and minimally processed foods

  Choose fresh and unprocessed products whenever possible. This reduces the risk of hidden sorbitol and makes it easier to manage symptoms.

• 6. Look for certified alternatives

  Brands such as Frusano offer products that are free from sorbitol and other polyols. Incorporating these products can make it easier to enjoy snacks without worry.

Enjoy without sorbitol

All Frusano products are sorbitol-free. They are ideal for snacking at any time of day without worry.

See sorbitol-free snacks

The following pages are related to this article:

Symptoms of sorbitol intolerance

Diagnosing sorbitol intolerance

Treatment of sorbitol intolerance