Sugar Free Chocolate
Sugar-free chocolate replaces sucrose with approved low/no-calorie sweeteners. Sugar alcohols (especially maltitol) at high doses commonly cause GI symptoms (bloating, diarrhea) — products containing sorbitol must carry an FDA warning if intake might exceed 50 g/day (21 CFR 184.1835).
What it is
Chocolate sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners or sugar alcohols (maltitol, erythritol, stevia, sucralose, allulose, etc.) instead of sucrose.
Confectionery / dessert.
Why it's flagged
- GI side effects from sugar alcohols (laxative effect)
- specific sweetener safety profiles vary
- still contains saturated fat/calories from cocoa butter
What regulators actually say
"Foods whose reasonably foreseeable consumption may result in a daily ingestion of 50 grams of sorbitol shall bear the statement: 'Excess consumption may have a laxative effect.'"
"FDA has approved several high-intensity sweeteners as food additives or has determined them GRAS for use in food."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Sugar alcohols and approved sweeteners regulated individually; sorbitol GI warning under 21 CFR 184.1835
European Union — EFSA
Polyols and approved sweeteners authorized under EU 1333/2008
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