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Maltitol is a sugar alcohol, a type of carbohydrate that the body digests slowly. It is made from corn or wheat starch through a process called hydrogenation, where hydrogen is added to sugars to change their structure. It is often used as a sugar substitute.

Maltitol is used as a low-calorie sweetener in sugar-free and reduced-sugar products like candies, baked goods, and chewing gum. It provides sweetness and bulk similar to sugar but with fewer calories and less impact on blood sugar levels.

Maltitol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. Like other sugar alcohols, consuming large amounts can cause digestive upset, such as gas and diarrhea, due to its slow absorption in the small intestine. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated maltitol, and it is widely used globally. Evidence does not suggest significant health risks at typical consumption levels.