If you’ve ever wondered what drinks have erythritol, you’re not alone.
Erythritol is commonly found in:
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Zero sugar soda
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Flavored sparkling water
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Ready-to-drink iced tea
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Energy drinks
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Protein shakes
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Keto beverages
As more consumers choose low-calorie and sugar-free drinks, erythritol has become one of the most widely used sweeteners in beverages.
But recent research — including a 2024 update from the Cleveland Clinic — has led many people to take a closer look at this ingredient.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Erythritol?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyl) used to sweeten goods and beverages with little to no calories.
It occurs naturally in small amounts in fruits like grapes and pears, but most commercial erythritol is produced through fermentation.
Unlike regular sugar:
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It contains almost zero calories
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It does not significantly raise blood sugar
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Most of it is excreted unchanged by the body
Because of this, it became popular in keto and “zero sugar” drinks.
Why Is Erythritol Used in Drinks?
Beverage companies use erythritol because it:
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Adds sweetness without added sugar
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Helps improve mouthfeel
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Blends well with other sweeteners
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Supports “low carb” and “keto” claims
You’ll often see it in products labeled:
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“Zero sugar”
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“No added sugar”
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“Low calorie”
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“Keto-friendly”
What Drinks Have Erythritol?
Below are the most common beverage categories where erythritol appears.
1. Zero Sugar Soda
Some zero-sugar sodas use erythritol as part of a blended sweetener system.
Not all diet sodas contain erythritol, but newer reformulations may include it.
Always check the ingredient list.
2. Flavored Sparkling Water
Lightly sweetened sparkling waters sometimes include erythritol to provide subtle sweetness without calories.
Unsweetened versions typically do not contain it.
3. Iced Tea (Low Sugar or Keto)
Ready-to-drink iced teas marketed as “low sugar” may use erythritol to reduce total sugar content.
4. Energy Drinks
Many zero-sugar energy drinks use erythritol alongside other sweeteners to balance taste and reduce bitterness.
5. Protein Shakes & Sports Drinks
Erythritol frequently appears in:
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Ready-to-drink protein shakes
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Clear protein beverages
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Keto meal replacement drinks
Because it adds sweetness without increasing carb count, it’s popular in fitness-focused products.
How to Tell If a Drink Contains Erythritol
Check the ingredient list for:
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Sometimes listed under “polyols”
Even if a product says “0g sugar,” it may still contain erythritol.
Is Erythritol Safe?
Erythritol is generally considered safe at approved levels.
However, some people experience:
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Bloating
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Gas
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Digestive discomfort
Recent research from the Cleveland Clinic observed an association between higher blood erythritol levels and cardiovascular events.
Important: The study found correlation, not causation. Research is ongoing.
Still, many consumers are trying to understand what drinks have erythritol and researching those without it.
Are There Drinks Without Erythritol?
Yes.
If you want to avoid erythritol, look for:
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Unsweetened sparkling water
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Plain coffee or tea
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Beverages sweetened with stevia or monk fruit
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Drinks made with emerging sweetener technologies
Remembering what drinks have erythritol will also make it easier to identify alternatives.
Alternatives to Erythritol in Beverages
As interest in sugar-alcohol-free drinks grows, companies are exploring new approaches to sweetness.
One emerging category is sweet proteins, developed by companies like Oobli.
Sweet proteins:
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Are thousands of times sweeter than sugar by weight
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Are used in very small amounts
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Do not contribute sugar grams
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Avoid the cooling sensation often associated with erythritol
They represent a newer generation of low-sugar beverage formulation.
Learn more about erythritol alternatives at Oobli.com.
FAQ: Drinks With Erythritol
What drinks have erythritol?
Zero sugar sodas, flavored sparkling waters, energy drinks, iced teas, and protein shakes commonly contain erythritol.
Why is erythritol used in beverages?
It provides sweetness with almost no calories and minimal blood sugar impact.
Does erythritol raise blood sugar?
It has minimal impact compared to regular sugar.
Is erythritol bad for you?
It’s generally considered safe, but some people experience digestive discomfort. Emerging research is evaluating long-term cardiovascular associations.
How can I avoid erythritol?
Check ingredient labels and choose unsweetened drinks or those made with alternative sweeteners.
