Erythritol, a polyol (sugar alcohol) is a good-tasting bulk sweetener which is suitable for a variety of reduced-Calorie and sugar-free foods. Erythritol has a high digestive tolerance, is safe for people with diabetes, and does not promote tooth decay. Erythritol, is currently used as a bulk sweetener in reduced-Calorie foods. Since 1990, erythritol has been commercially produced and added to foods and beverages to provide sweetness, as well as enhance their taste and texture. Erythritol is a white crystalline powder that is odorless, with a clean sweet taste that is similar to sucrose. It is approximately 70% as sweet as sucrose and flows easily due to its non-hygroscopic character. Like other polyols, erythritol does not promote tooth decay and is safe for people with diabetes. However, erythritols caloric value of 0. 2 calories per gram and high digestive tolerance distinguishes it from some other polyols. It has approximately 7 to 13% the calories of other polyols and 5% the calories of sucrose. Because erythritol is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and rapidly eliminated by the body within 24 hours, laxative side effects sometimes associated with excessive polyol consumption are unlikely when consuming erythritol containing foods. A GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) affirmation petition submitted by a consortium of erythritol manufacturers was accepted for filing by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration on January 15, 1997. This allows manufacturers to produce and sell erythritol containing foods in the United States.