Rational view of sugar substitutes

Mooncakes made of maltitol are considered "healthier" because they are not sugar, but a sugar substitute, which is not easily absorbed by the body, so it produces lower calories

In China, according to relevant regulations, maltitol can also be added to food

In this regard, the person in charge of COFCO Fengtong, the supplier of Zhihu mooncakes, said that sugar substitutes have been used in the food industry for a long time

So why is there a problem with Zhihu's mooncakes? Obviously, both Zhihu and COFCO have overlooked a problem, that is: the use of sugar alcohols as an alternative sweetener has an obvious side effect, which is to increase gastrointestinal symptoms, and intake of sufficient amounts of sugar substitutes can lead to obvious diarrhea, or Mild abdominal symptoms such as bloating and flatulence

So how much maltitol is used in Zhihu's mooncake recipe? According to a popular science blogger who received Zhihu mooncakes, a 75-gram Zhihu sweet-scented osmanthus mooncake contains nearly 50% maltitol

In fact, some regulations in foreign countries already require sugar alcohol products to be marked with warnings.

At present, China has not promulgated relevant regulations

(Yang Xiaojing)

"China Food News" (September 16, 2021 03 edition)

(Editor-in-charge: Yang Xiaojing)