Used as a low-calorie sweetener in food and beverages due to its sugar-like taste with minimal impact on blood glucose levels. Commonly found in sugar-free products such as chewing gum, candies, and baked goods. Functions as a humectant in cosmetics and personal care products, helping retain moisture. Also serves as a building block in the synthesis of polymers and biodegradable plastics. Investigated for use in pharmaceutical formulations as an excipient due to its stability and low hygroscopicity.