UPDATE: On August 8, 2024, a Cleveland Clinic study found an association between higher blood levels of erythritol and an increased risk of blood clot-related events. While research is ongoing, the findings have raised new questions about the long-term health effects of this widely used sweetener.
As more people become mindful of their sugar intake, “low-calorie” and “sugar-free” drinks continue to fill store shelves. If you’re curious about what drinks contain erythritol, it’s worth noting that many of these products rely on this sugar alcohol to replace sugar while maintaining sweetness with little to no calories. While often positioned as healthier alternatives to traditional sugary drinks. There are questions about their long-term effects.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at erythritol—what it is, where it shows up in drinks, and what current research says about its potential health impacts. We’ll also share examples of beverages that contain erythritol and explore alternative options if you’re looking to avoid it.
What is Erythritol?
In the quest for healthier dietary choices, erythritol has emerged as a prominent player. But what is erythritol, and why does it show up in so many drinks?
Before we get into what drinks contain erythritol, let’s take a closer look at where it comes from, how it’s made, and why beverage companies use it.
How is Erythritol Made?
Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in small amounts in foods like grapes, pears, and watermelon. However, the erythritol used in packaged foods and drinks is typically produced through fermentation.
As the yeast consumes the sugars, it produces erythritol. The compound is then filtered and purified into a white, crystalline powder that looks similar to table sugar.
Although it resembles sugar in appearance and taste, the body processes erythritol differently. Most of it is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted unchanged, rather than being metabolized for energy. Because of this, it contributes little to no calories, which is one reason it became popular among people trying to reduce sugar intake.
Why is Erythritol Used in Drinks?
Erythritol is widely used in beverages because it provides sweetness without the calories of sugar. For brands creating low-calorie, keto-friendly, or sugar-free drinks, that makes it an attractive option.
It also has minimal impact on blood glucose and insulin levels compared to traditional sugar, which can be helpful for people monitoring their blood sugar.
That said, sweetness and calorie reduction aren’t the only factors to consider. Taste, digestive tolerance, ingredient sourcing, and emerging research all play a role in how consumers evaluate sweeteners today.
Are There Health Effects to Erythritol?
Erythritol is often marketed as a simple, sugar-free swap. But like many sweeteners, it comes with trade-offs that are worth understanding.
While it’s widely used and considered safe by regulatory agencies at approved levels, some people report side effects—particularly when consuming larger amounts.
Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Bloating, Gas, and Diarrhea
For some people, erythritol may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Bloating, gas, and even diarrhea are among the most commonly reported side effects, especially when consumed in higher quantities.
Erythritol is absorbed differently than sugar. Most of it is absorbed into the bloodstream and later excreted unchanged, but a portion can reach the large intestine. In some people, this can contribute to digestive symptoms, especially with those who have an intolerance to artificial sweeteners.
It’s also worth noting that sensitivity varies. Many people tolerate erythritol well in moderate amounts, while others may experience discomfort more easily. Similar digestive effects can occur with other sugar alcohols and certain non-nutritive sweeteners.
As with many ingredients, individual tolerance and overall intake matter.
Can You Have An Allergic Reaction to Erythritol?
Allergic reactions to erythritol appear to be rare, but isolated cases have been reported. In sensitive individuals, symptoms such as hives, itching, or swelling may occur.
If you’ve previously experienced allergic reactions to sugar alcohols or other sweeteners, it may be worth reviewing ingredient labels carefully, knowing what drinks contain erythritol, and speaking with a healthcare provider before consuming products that contain erythritol.
Does Erythritol Affect Blood Sugar and Insulin?
One reason erythritol became popular is its minimal impact on blood glucose compared to traditional sugar. Most studies show that erythritol does not significantly raise blood sugar levels in the way glucose or sucrose does.
However, research on non-nutritive sweeteners and metabolic health is ongoing. Some studies suggest that certain sweeteners may influence insulin response or metabolic signaling in more complex ways than previously understood. The findings are still evolving, and responses can vary from person to person.
Does Erythritol Affect Heart Health?
Recent research has raised questions about a possible link between erythritol and cardiovascular health.
In a widely cited study, researchers observed that individuals with the highest blood levels of erythritol had a higher incidence of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, compared to those with lower levels. In that study population, those in the top quartile of erythritol blood concentration were approximately twice as likely to experience a cardiac event as those in the lowest quartile.
Additional laboratory findings suggested that elevated erythritol levels may be associated with increased platelet reactivity, which could contribute to clot formation under certain conditions.
As the science evolves, consumers may choose to stay informed and consider their overall dietary patterns, especially if they have existing cardiovascular risk factors.
What Drinks Contain Erythritol?
Erythritol is commonly used in a wide range of low-calorie, sugar-free, and “keto-friendly” beverages. Understanding what drinks contain erythritol can help you make informed choices based on your personal preferences and health goals.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of drinks that often include erythritol—and how to spot it on an ingredient label.
Diet Soda
Diet sodas are one of the most recognizable categories of sugar-free beverages. While many traditional diet sodas use other sweeteners, some newer “zero sugar” or specialty formulations may include erythritol as part of a blended sweetener system.
Erythritol can help replicate the sweetness and mouthfeel of sugar without adding calories. If you’re trying to limit or avoid erythritol, it’s worth checking ingredient labels carefully, as formulations can vary by brand and product line.
Flavored and Sparkling Water
Flavored and sparkling waters sometimes contain erythritol to add a subtle sweetness without added sugar. These beverages are often positioned as a lighter alternative to soda or juice.
However, not all flavored waters contain sweeteners—some rely solely on natural flavors. If you prefer to avoid erythritol, look for options labeled “unsweetened” and review the ingredient list to be sure.
Iced Tea
Ready-to-drink iced teas may use erythritol to reduce sugar content while maintaining sweetness. This is especially common in products labeled “low sugar,” “zero sugar,” or “keto-friendly.”
As with other beverages, ingredient transparency matters. Some iced teas are sweetened with traditional sugar, some with alternative sweeteners, and others not at all.
Energy Drinks
Energy drink brands have increasingly introduced low-sugar or sugar-free versions to appeal to health-conscious consumers. In some cases, erythritol is used alongside other sweeteners to help balance flavor while keeping calorie counts low.
If you regularly consume energy drinks, reviewing the ingredient panel can help you understand exactly which sweeteners are included.
Protein Drinks
Erythritol also appears in certain protein shakes and fitness-focused beverages, where it’s used to improve taste without adding sugar. These products are often marketed as convenient meal replacements or workout recovery options.
Because protein drinks can vary widely in formulation, checking labels is key. Some rely on sugar alcohols like erythritol, while others use different sweeteners—or none at all.
Are There Any Drinks Without Erythritol?
Erythritol appears in a wide range of beverages, from diet sodas and flavored waters to iced teas, energy drinks, and protein shakes. Because it’s commonly used in “low sugar” and “zero sugar” formulations, it can show up in places consumers may not expect, making it difficult to keep track of what drinks contain erythritol. That said, it’s not unavoidable.
Many drinks do not contain erythritol, and there are plenty of options available if you prefer to skip sugar alcohols altogether. Some beverages rely on different sweeteners, while others are completely unsweetened.
As consumer awareness around ingredients continues to grow, brands are responding with new formulations and alternative approaches to sweetness.
The Growing Demand for Drinks Without Erythritol
Amid the influx of erythritol-laden options, many consumers are paying closer attention to what’s in their diet drinks, including which sweeteners are used. The demand for drinks without erythritol is rapidly increasing for several reasons:
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Digestive concerns: Some individuals experience bloating, gas, or other digestive discomfort from sugar alcohols like erythritol, particularly when consumed in larger amounts.
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Health awareness: Emerging research on non-nutritive sweeteners has led some consumers to limit or rotate the types of sweeteners they use.
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Taste preferences: While erythritol can provide a clean sweetness, some people notice a cooling sensation or subtle aftertaste. Other sweeteners, such as stevia, sucralose, or aspartame, can also affect a product’s overall flavor.
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Simpler ingredients: Shoppers increasingly seek shorter ingredient lists and beverages that feel more natural.
These trends have opened the door for new approaches to sweetness, beyond both traditional sugar and conventional artificial or sugar-alcohol sweeteners. As consumer preferences evolve, beverage innovation is evolving alongside them.
A New Approach to Sweetness: Oobli Sweet Proteins
As beverage brands explore alternatives to sugar and sugar alcohols, sweet proteins are emerging as a promising option. Naturally found in certain tropical fruits, these proteins are thousands of times sweeter than sugar by weight, so only a tiny amount is needed to achieve the desired sweetness.
Because they’re used at very low levels, sweet proteins help reduce sugar content without the cooling effect sometimes associated with erythritol. They also provide formulation flexibility, working alone or alongside small amounts of sugar to maintain taste and mouthfeel.
The benefits of sweet proteins don’t stop there. Sweet proteins contain naturally occurring compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making sweet proteins as a sugar substitute an obvious choice. Plus, Oobli produces them through precision fermentation, which uses far less land and water than conventional sugar production.
With a clean sweetness profile and a simple ingredient story, Oobli sweet proteins offer a new approach to creating low-sugar drinks that stand apart from both traditional sugar and common artificial sweeteners.
Parting Thoughts on Drinks With Erythritol
Erythritol appears in many popular beverages, from diet sodas to flavored waters and ready-to-drink iced teas. Knowing what drinks contain erythritol can help you make informed choices if you’re looking to reduce or avoid sugar alcohols.
At Oobli, we’ve taken a different approach. By harnessing the power of sweet proteins, we offer low-sugar, naturally sweetened options that deliver flavor without relying on artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols.
If you’re ready to enjoy a cleaner, more natural sweetness in your drinks, Oobli is here to help you do just that—without compromising health or taste.
What Drinks Contain Erythritol FAQs
1. What is erythritol?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in some fruits and fermented foods. It is commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener in beverages and packaged foods.
1. What drinks contain erythritol?
Erythritol appears in many low-calorie, sugar-free, and keto-friendly beverages, including diet sodas, flavored and sparkling waters, ready-to-drink iced teas, energy drinks, and some protein shakes. Checking ingredient labels is the best way to identify it.
2. Is erythritol safe to consume?
Erythritol is generally considered safe by regulatory agencies when consumed in typical amounts. Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, especially in larger quantities. Rare allergic reactions have also been reported.
3. Does erythritol affect blood sugar or insulin levels?
Erythritol has minimal impact on blood glucose compared to regular sugar. However, research on non-nutritive sweeteners and insulin response is ongoing, and effects can vary between individuals.
4. Why is erythritol used in beverages?
It provides sweetness without adding calories and has minimal impact on blood sugar, making it popular in low-calorie, sugar-free, and keto-friendly drinks.
5. What are Oobli sweet proteins and why are they used in drinks?
Oobli sweet proteins are naturally occurring proteins from tropical fruits, thousands of times sweeter than sugar by weight. They allow beverage brands to create low-sugar drinks with a clean sweetness profile, fewer calories, and a more sustainable production process than conventional sugar.
