Polyols in confectionery:: the route to sugar-free, reduced sugar and reduced calorie confectionery

Polyol-containing confectionery offers considerable advantages over traditional sucrose-based confectionery in terms of reduced energy content and reduced cariogenicity. However, overconsumption of polyol confectionery may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms in some individuals. Rather than consider this as a distinct disadvantage to the consumer, this article discusses how careful consideration of the physico-chemical properties of polyols and advances in product development and formulation can provide suitable polyol-based products for the consumer. Furthermore, food legislation and ingredient pricing issues are just some of the factors that must be taken into account when designing new polyol-containing products if their functional benefits and good product quality are to be delivered to the consumer.