Palatinose is a disaccharide having an α(1→6) linkage between D-glucose and D-fructose and is similar to sucrose in its physicochemical properties. It is produced from sucrose in some bacteria by the action of sucrose isomerase. In mammalian gut palatinose is hydrolyzed and absorbed much more slowly than sucrose.

Vanillylacetone, which is used as a flavor additive in spice oils and in perfumery to introduce spicy aromas, is similar in chemical structure to flavor chemicals such as vanillin and eugenol.

Lactose is the major sugar present in milk and the main source of energy supplied to the newborn mammalian in its mother's milk.