Sugar Alcohols & Net Carbs
Erythritol, xylitol, maltitol—how should you count them?
Sugar alcohols are sweeteners that taste like sugar but are absorbed only partially. Many low-carb trackers subtract them when estimating net carbs—but not all sugar alcohols behave the same.
Common types at a glance
| Name | Typical impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Erythritol | Very low | Mostly excreted unchanged; many people subtract it fully. |
| Xylitol | Low–moderate | Some absorption; can cause GI discomfort in larger amounts. |
| Maltitol | Moderate | Often has a larger impact than other sugar alcohols; subtract cautiously. |
| Sorbitol/Manitol | Moderate | Common in sugar-free candies; individual responses vary. |
Practical approach
- Subtract fiber fully.
- Subtract sugar alcohols if your plan calls for it—erythritol is commonly subtracted fully, others more cautiously.
- When in doubt, use our calculator with the sugar-alcohol toggle and track how you feel.