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Answer: Xylitol is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Trident Sugar-Free Gum, Epic Dental Gum, Spry Gum.
TL;DR: Xylitol is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called birch sugar. (E967) CAS 87-99-0.
Other names: E967, birch sugar, wood sugar, INS 967
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Trident Sugar-Free Gum, Epic Dental Gum, Spry Gum, Zicam Nasal Spray, XyloBurst Mints |
| CAS number | 87-99-0 |
Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol (pentitol) naturally found in birch wood, corn cobs, fruits, and vegetables. It has the same sweetness as sucrose but provides 40% fewer calories and does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels. Most commercial xylitol is produced from xylose derived from corn cob or hardwood hemicellulose hydrolysis.
Used in sugar-free gum, dental care products, and diabetic confectionery for its sweetness without glycemic impact and its established dental health benefits.
Xylitol is safe for humans at normal consumption levels. Like other sugar alcohols, it can cause osmotic diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset at doses above 40–70 g/day. Critically, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs — even small amounts (0.1 g/kg body weight) can cause severe hypoglycemia and hepatic failure in canines, as documented in multiple veterinary case reports. The FDA and ASPCA have both issued warnings about xylitol pet toxicity. For humans, it is well-tolerated and has dental benefits.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Xylitolwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Erythritol is a well-tolerated alternative with zero laxative threshold concern. Stevia provides sweetness with fewer digestive effects.
Yes — extremely toxic. Even small amounts cause dangerous hypoglycemia in dogs. Keep xylitol-containing products away from pets.
Yes. Xylitol is not fermented by oral bacteria to produce acid, and it inhibits Streptococcus mutans, the primary cavity-causing bacteria.
It has a GI of 7 vs 65 for sucrose, making it far more suitable for blood sugar management.
Traditionally from birch, but most commercial xylitol now comes from corn cob processing.
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