1. A chemical compound containing multiple hydroxyl groups (-OH), typically derived from sugars or used as a sugar substitute.
Usage: chemistry; food industry

Examples

• Sorbitol is a common polyol used in sugar-free candies and chewing gum.
• Many diet sodas contain polyols instead of regular sugar to reduce calorie content.
• Xylitol, a polyol sweetener, is often found in dental products because it may help prevent tooth decay.
• Food manufacturers use polyols to achieve sweetness while keeping products lower in calories.
• Polyols are metabolized differently than regular sugar in the human body.