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Foods with Xylitol

Xylitol is a natural, low-glycemic sweetener found in small amounts in such sources as berries, mushrooms, fibrous vegetables, corn cobs and birch trees. It has been used as a sweetening agent since the 1960s and has been found to help prevent the development of tooth decay. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved xylitol as an additive for foods with special dietary purposes, as well as for certain pharmaceutical and oral health products.

  1. Mints and Candies

    • The California Dental Association (CDA) reports that when used over time, xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes cavities. As a result, less plaque forms and the level of acids that attack the surface of the teeth is lowered. For this reason, some mints, candies and chewing gums are made with xylitol. Also, while it has the same sweetness as sucrose, xylitol has no unpleasant aftertaste but produces a cooling sensation in the mouth. Mints and other xylitol-sweetened oral health products can be purchased in many grocery stores, especially health food stores, as well as online. For optimum decay-prevention results, the CDA advises buying products with xylitol listed as the first ingredient.

    Baked Goods

    • Xylitol, which contains 40 percent fewer calories than sugar, can also be used as a sugar substitute for baking and cooking. It can be used in equivalent amounts; however, it absorbs moisture easily so recipes may need to be adjusted to compensate. Xylitol has no major side effects, but xylitol manufacturer Epic advises using it in moderation to start, since using too much too quickly has been found to cause mild gastrointestinal distress. Baked goods sweetened with xylitol--such as pastries, cakes and pies, as well as packaged mixes--can be purchased online. The ASPCA reports, though, that products sweetened with xylitol can be toxic to dogs.

    Jams and Sauces

    • Xylitol is also used as a sweetener in jams and other condiments, and can be beneficial for diabetics and others concerned about sugar intake. Because of its anti-fungal properties, xylitol also acts as a preservative and, therefore, can prolong such products' shelf-life.

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