Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol produced in the US from corn grind. There are only two producers, each of which sets annual contracts with wet-milling agents from the US corn industry. Primary end uses for sorbitol in the US are food applications such as diet bars, bakery products, diet candies, and sugar-free chewing gums.
There are two grades of sorbitol: Liquid USP and Crystal. Crystal grade is the premium-priced product and commands the sugar-free chewing gum industry over the liquid product. Sorbitol can, but rarely does, compete with Glycerine and Propylene Glycol.
To find out more Sorbitol Methodology October 2012