Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found in many foods and is a popular ingredient in many desserts. It is not metabolized by the body like other sugars, and has the same caloric content as sugar. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found in many foods and is a popular ingredient in many desserts. It is not metabolized by the body like other sugars, and has the same caloric content as sugar. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is used as a sweetener and as a preservative.