The invention relates to a pulverulent sorbitol, characterized in that it exhibits a hygroscopicity value, determined according to a test A, of less than 2%, preferably of less than 1.7%, and a specific surface, determined according to the BET method, at least equal to 2 m.sup.2 /g, preferably at least equal to 2.2 m.sup.2 /g, and also relates to its process of preparation. The invention also relates to compositions intended in particular for the food and pharmaceutical fields and to the use of the said pulverulent sorbitol in the preparation of tablets exhibiting a <> texture.