The present invention includes methods for preparing polyol products including a method of making a free-flowing granular product comprising: a) charging hydrogenated starch hydrolysate to an agglomerator; b) adding polyol syrup to the maximum loading capacity of the hydrogenated starch hydrolysate; and c) adding polyol crystals in an amount sufficient to dry the product. The present invention also includes compositions comprising polyol products for use in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, foods, such as frozen dairy and bakery items, and confections.