Erythritol is commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener in sugar-free and low-sugar products, making it popular for those managing weight or diabetes. Its benefits include not raising blood sugar levels, being tooth-friendly, and providing sweetness without calories.

Sugar has 4 calories per gram but erythritol has zero. That's because your small intestine absorbs it quickly and gets it out of your body through urine within 24 hours. This means erythritol doesn't have a chance to "metabolize"—turn into energy in your body.

Erythritol is 60–70% as sweet as table sugar.

Erythritol is common in sugar-free varieties of ice cream, candy, gum, cookies, cakes, protein bars, and fruit spreads. 

Taste. Erythritol tastes sweet. It's similar to table sugar.

Appearance. It's in the form of white crystal granules or powder.