xylitol

Basic Information

Field	Content
Chinese name	xylitol
English name	xylitol
INS/E number	INS 967
Functional class	Emulsifier, Humectant, Stabilizer, Sweetener, Thickener
Year adopted	1963
Approved by	Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA)

What is it?

Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol naturally present in fruits and vegetables and also produced by hydrogenating xylose. It is about as sweet as sucrose, slightly lower in calories, non-cariogenic and very low in glycaemic index.

Source

Natural：玉米芯/桦木等植物纤维水解得到的木糖

Why is it used?

• Sucrose-like sweetness with fewer calories
• Strongly inhibits dental caries (not fermented by cariogenic bacteria)
• Very low glycaemic index for diabetic foods
• Cooling mouthfeel for gum and mints
• Humectant preventing candy crystallisation

Common Foods

• Sugar-free chewing gum
• Mints and lozenges
• Confectionery and chocolate
• Toothpaste and oral care
• Bakery products
• Table-top sweeteners

Safety

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：Not applicable (evaluated, no limit set)

Concerns：

• 过量摄入致腹胀、腹泻
• 对犬类等宠物有剧毒，须远离
• 需标注“过量食用可能引起腹泻”

Usage Standard

China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》；GB 1886.234 食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂 木糖醇

International：

• EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex II (E 967)
• FDA 21 CFR 172.395 (xylitol)
• Codex GSFA (INS 967)
• FSANZ Food Standards Code (967)

In a nutshell

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol with sucrose-like sweetness and strong anti-caries effect, but highly toxic to dogs.

Consumer Advice

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol as sweet as sugar. It is low in calories, does not cause cavities and even helps prevent tooth decay, so it is widely used in chewing gum, candy, and toothpaste. It is safe within approved limits, though excessive intake may cause diarrhea. Importantly, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, so xylitol-containing products must be kept away from pets.

Dietary Restrictions

• Vegan: ✅
• Halal: ✅
• Kosher: ✅

Allergens

✅ Free from common allergens

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.