E967 – Xylitol
SweetenerDescription
A pentitol (five-carbon sugar alcohol/polyol, E967) used as a bulk sweetener and functional ingredient. Produced commercially via catalytic hydrogenation of xylose, it provides sweetness comparable to sucrose (~1.0 relative sweetness) but with ~2.4 kcal/g, and imparts a notable cooling sensation (high negative heat of solution). It is highly effective as a non-cariogenic agent in oral health applications.
Notes
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in small amounts in many fruits, vegetables, and even birch tree bark. Commercially, it's produced by extracting xylose (a type of sugar) from corn cobs, birch wood, or other plant materials, then using hydrogenation to convert this xylose into xylitol. The process involves adding hydrogen atoms to the xylose molecules under pressure with special catalysts, transforming the plant sugar into a sweet, crystalline powder. This sweetener provides the same sweetness as regular sugar but with about 40% fewer calories, and it creates a pleasant cooling sensation in your mouth - which is why it's especially popular in chewing gums and mints. You'll also find xylitol in sugar-free candies, toothpaste, mouthwash, and baked goods. What makes xylitol unique among sweeteners is that it's non-cariogenic, meaning it doesn't feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay - in fact, it may actually help prevent cavities. Xylitol can be considered natural since it occurs in plants, though commercial production involves processing. It's suitable for vegetarians and vegans and doesn't contain common allergens. However, there's one critical safety note: xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening drops in blood sugar, so pet owners must keep xylitol-containing products safely away from their animals. For humans, large amounts may cause digestive discomfort.