Xylitol
A sugar alcohol sweetener that closely resembles sugar in appearance and taste. It provides fewer calories than sugar, but excessive amounts can cause digestive upset, and it is toxic to dogs.
What Is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) sweetener that occurs in nature and can be produced from plant sources such as birch trees and from corn cobs. Its white crystals look and taste quite similar to granulated sugar.
It provides a sweetness close to sugar but fewer calories per gram and has less effect on blood sugar. It leaves a mildly cooling sensation in the mouth, which is why it is also used in chewing gum and dental-care products.
Xylitol Nutrition Facts
As a sugar alcohol, xylitol provides approximately 240 kcal per 100 g (~2.4 kcal per gram), less than table sugar. It has a low glycemic effect and contains no fat.
How Should Xylitol Be Used?
Consuming excessive amounts of xylitol can cause intestinal gas, bloating, and loose stools, so moderate use is recommended. Xylitol is also highly toxic to dogs; keep xylitol and products containing it away from pets.
This is general information; xylitol is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Keep it away from dogs and consume it in moderation.
How to Choose Xylitol
Good xylitol is dry, free-flowing, and in unclumped white crystals; avoid products that are damp or clumped. It is preferable to choose a product whose ingredient list has no additives.
- Crystals should be dry, white, and unclumped
- Moisture and clumping are undesirable
- Choose a product without additives
How to Store Xylitol
Store xylitol in a sealed jar in a dry place for a long time; because moisture causes clumping, keep it dry. It is important to store it where pets cannot reach it.
How to Use Xylitol in the Kitchen
Xylitol is used in amounts close to sugar to sweeten drinks, desserts, and baked goods; it is heat-stable and can also be used in cooking. In yeast-risen doughs, the recipe must be adjusted because xylitol does not feed yeast as sugar does.
How to Use Xylitol Instead of Sugar
In most recipes, use it in a close to one-to-one ratio with sugar; however, keep the amount moderate and adjust to taste because excessive amounts may cause digestive upset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is xylitol toxic to dogs?
Xylitol can cause serious reactions in dogs, making it dangerous to them; keep xylitol and products containing it, including chewing gum, away from pets.
Does xylitol break down during cooking?
It is relatively heat-stable and can be used in cooking; however, because it does not caramelize like sugar, the result may be somewhat different in some recipes.
Why does xylitol feel cool in the mouth?
As a sugar alcohol that absorbs heat while dissolving, it leaves a mildly cooling sensation in the mouth; this quality makes it popular in chewing gum and mint products.