Authority source
Safety basis: FDA
FDA assessment
Xylitol
XyliteXylitol sweetener
Sweetener
Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in foods and oral care products. It's a type of sugar that's not fully digested by the body.
What it is
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol derived from the bark of the birch tree or from corn cobs, used as a low-calorie sweetener.
Found in
gum, sugar-free candy, baked goods, toothpaste, mouthwash
The concern
Can cause serious problems for dogs if eaten, as it can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and even liver failure.
Legal status
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, but may have restrictions in certain products, such as chewing gum.
Low Concern
Generally recognized as safe for human consumption in moderate amounts.
Evidence & sources
Article / explainer
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Community questions
Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
Related ingredient guides
Compare this ingredient with related ingredients and common alternatives.
Fluoride
Often checked alongside xylitol in toothpaste and oral-care labels.
Sodium Fluoride
A common toothpaste ingredient compared with xylitol.
Stevia
Another sweetener people compare when checking ingredient lists.
Sucralose
A common sweetener comparison in food and oral-care products.
Aspartame
Another sweetener in the reviewed ingredient set.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Another sweetener in the reviewed ingredient set.
Last updated: June 17, 2026