Aldotrioses are monosaccharides that contain both an aldehyde (an aldose) and three carbons (a triose). Knowing the definition of the word, and the breakdown of parts of the word, can help you recognize the molecule. The simplest aldotriose is glyceraldehyde.

A related concept involves ketotrioses, which are monosaccharides that contain both a ketone (a ketose) and three carbonds (a triose). Dihydroxyacetone is an example of a ketotriose.