A composition containing at least one polyol and certain amounts of inulin relative to the at least one polyol, characterized by a reduced tendency of the at least one polyol to induce acute diarrhea. The at least one polyol may be, for example: xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, isomalt, isomaltitol, lactitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH), glycerol, propylene glycol, erythritol, galactitol and combinations thereof. The composition also contains inulin in amounts sufficient to at least partially reduce, or eliminate, the tendency of the polyol to induce acute diarrhea. Foodstuffs, including drinks and beverages, contain said compositions.