Xylitol

Other Name(s):

Wood Sugar Alcohol; CAS# 87-99-0

Xylitol occurs naturally in birch tree bark. However, it can also be synthesised through fermentation processes or made artificially using corn cobs.

Is Xylitol Faithful to Nature?

Depends.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener, with many benefits for oral hygiene and helps many to reduce their refined sugar intake. It must however be enjoyed in moderation since excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Benefits: Why is Xylitol used?

Naturally Sweet

Xylitol has a naturally sweet taste.

Low in Calories

Xylitol is low-calorie (2.4 kcal/g compared to sucrose’s 4.0 kcal/g).

Cares for your Teeth

Xylitol inhibits the growth of cavity and plaque forming bacteria.

Other Applications

Xylitol has been studied due to its midly laxative effects as well as a means to improve bone density.

Learn more about Xylitol:

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Xylitol?

Xylitol can be found as a single ingredient product in many supermarkets and health food stores. Xylitol is used in cavity protection toothpastes, oral hygiene mouth washes, and lip balms. It’s also used a lot in sugar-free sweets, baked goods, gummies and chocolates.

Production: How is Xylitol Made?

The most eco-friendly method for manufacturing xylitol is through a natural fermentation process. Some yeast strains possess an enzyme able to turn xylose (a naturally occurring substance found in wood) into xylitol.

Interesting Fact: Xylitol

Natural sugar substitutes like sugar alcohols (e.g. xylitol) occur naturally in plants. Whereas artificial sweeteners (e.g. Acesulfame-K, Saccharin) can only be made in a laboratory and have not been found occurring anywhere in nature.

Although sugar alcohols are safe to use in moderation, xylitol containing products should be kept well out of reach of dogs. Dogs’ digestive systems mistake it for sugar and begin producing insulin, but this causes a rapid and potentially dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.