Several types of sugar alcohols are commonly used as sweeteners. Xylitol is the most common and well-researched sugar alcohol. It’s a common ingredient in sugar-free chewing gums, mints and oral care products like toothpaste. Erythritol is another sugar alcohol that is considered to have an excellent taste. It is produced by fermenting the glucose in cornstarch and has 70% of the sweetness of sugar but 5% of the calories. Sorbitol has a smooth mouthfeel and cool taste. Maltitol is processed from the sugar maltose and has a very similar taste and mouthfeel as regular sugar. Are these permissible to eat?
Aromatics or aroma compounds add flavor to dishes. Typically, aroma compounds are herbs, spices, and fruit or vegetable-derived chemicals that are mixed with either oil, water, or alcohol (ethanol) as a base to enhance the flavor. It is permissible to consume foods and beverages with aromatic compounds mixed with alcohol as long as the alcohol level is less than 3 percent and it dissolves in it [due to the mixing], and does not intoxicate.