Net Carbs: Sugars vs Sugar Alchohol

[actuary32174]

In calculating net carbs, I have noticed on several product labels that the total carbs will be listed and right under it, it will indicate carbs from fiber and carbs from "sugars" not sugar alcohol. In this context, do the words "sugars" and "sugar alcohol" mean the same?

Thanks for the help

[Elizellen]

No - 'sugars' and 'sugar alcohols' are different.

'sugars' can be referring to the natural sugars in something like tomatoes or lettuce as well as to 'added sugar' listed on the ingredients list.

[actuary32174]

I kind of figured that sugars and sugar alcohol weren't the same. So do you think that when only "sugars" are listed on the label, that implies there is no sugar alcohol? and the "sugars" cannot be subtracted to arrive at the net carb amount?

[Georgiana]

Originally Posted by actuary32174

I kind of figured that sugars and sugar alcohol weren't the same. So do you think that when only "sugars" are listed on the label, that implies there is no sugar alcohol? and the "sugars" cannot be subtracted to arrive at the net carb amount?

You have to read the list of ingredients to see if there are any sugar alcohols in a product.

Sugars should not be subtracted to find the net carb amount, since they are net carbs. Net carbs are total carbs minus dietary fiber and minus sugar alcohols.

[gatordad]

Do you find that sugar alcohols impeded your weight loss?

[actuary32174]

I haven't been on the diet that long to tell.

[gatordad]

Thanks! I have heard that was the case...