Does Ice Breakers Ice Cubes Gum Have Xylitol? The Sweetener Explained

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal helps increase saliva flow, which neutralizes plaque acids and can reduce cavities. In this context, many consumers ask the question, "Does Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum have xylitol?" The answer is yes, this popular gum uses xylitol as a sugar-free sweetener.

Quick Summary

Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum contains xylitol, a sugar alcohol that starves harmful oral bacteria, promoting better dental health. The gum is also accepted by the American Dental Association for its ability to reduce plaque acids.

Key Points

Contains Xylitol: Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum explicitly lists xylitol as an ingredient, confirming its use as a sugar-free sweetener.
Promotes Dental Health: Xylitol helps prevent cavities by starving the harmful oral bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, that are responsible for tooth decay.
ADA Acceptance: Certain versions of Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum have received the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
Boosts Saliva: Chewing xylitol gum increases saliva flow, which helps neutralize mouth acids and remineralize tooth enamel.
Toxic to Dogs: Despite its benefits for humans, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure.

What Exactly is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol, or polyol, that looks and tastes like sugar but has fewer calories and a low glycemic index. It is found in many fruits and vegetables, and even in small amounts in the human body. However, the xylitol used commercially is often derived from fibrous plant material like birch or corncobs. This sweetener is a popular substitute for sugar, especially in products like gum, mints, and certain diabetic-friendly foods. Unlike sugar, it is not fermentable by the oral bacteria that cause cavities.

The Confirmed Presence in Ice Breakers Ice Cubes

For consumers checking the label, the ingredients list for Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum explicitly includes xylitol. This is a key selling point for the product, with some product descriptions highlighting that the gum is "made with xylitol" to appeal to health-conscious consumers and those concerned about dental hygiene. The use of xylitol is part of what allows the gum to carry a "sugar-free" label and, in some cases, the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

The Dental Health Benefits of Xylitol

Using a sweetener like xylitol offers a significant advantage over sugar when it comes to oral health. The primary benefit lies in its interaction with oral bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mutans, a major contributor to tooth decay.

Starves Harmful Bacteria: S. mutans cannot metabolize xylitol for energy. When they consume it, their energy-producing process is disrupted, which effectively starves and kills them. This can lead to a reduction of up to 90% in acid-producing bacteria over time.
Increases Saliva Flow: Chewing gum, especially with xylitol, stimulates saliva production. Saliva is the mouth's natural defense mechanism, helping to wash away food particles and remineralize tooth enamel with calcium and phosphate.
Neutralizes Acidity: Increased saliva flow also raises the pH level in the mouth. This creates a less acidic environment, preventing further erosion of tooth enamel and allowing for the remineralization process to occur more effectively.
Reduces Plaque Adhesiveness: Xylitol consumption can lead to less adhesive plaque. This makes it easier to remove plaque buildup through regular brushing and flossing.

Crucial Safety Warning: Xylitol and Pets

While xylitol is beneficial for human dental health, it is extremely toxic and potentially fatal for dogs. It is critical for pet owners to keep all products containing xylitol, including Ice Breakers gum, out of reach of their pets. In dogs, xylitol is rapidly absorbed and triggers a massive release of insulin, causing a life-threatening drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). In higher doses, it can also lead to liver failure.

Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

Vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy or weakness
Loss of coordination
Tremors or seizures
Collapse
Yellowing of the gums or skin (indicating liver damage)

If you suspect your dog has ingested a product with xylitol, seek immediate veterinary care.

Xylitol vs. Other Common Sugar-Free Sweeteners

Many gums and sugar-free products use a variety of non-sugar sweeteners. It's helpful to understand how xylitol compares to some of its counterparts.


Feature	Xylitol	Sorbitol	Aspartame
Classification	Sugar Alcohol	Sugar Alcohol	Artificial Sweetener
Effect on Oral Bacteria	Starves S. mutans, promotes remineralization	Less effective than xylitol, some bacteria can ferment it	No effect, but doesn't promote decay
Dental Benefits	Strong anti-cavity effect; boosts dental health	Mild dental benefit; less pronounced than xylitol	No dental benefit, just replaces sugar
Glycemic Index	Low (around 12), minimal impact on blood sugar	Lower than sugar, but still impacts blood sugar	Zero
Calorie Content	Approx. 2.4 calories/gram (40% less than sugar)	Approx. 2.6 calories/gram	Zero
Pet Toxicity	Highly toxic to dogs	Safe for dogs	Safe for dogs
Sweetness Level	As sweet as sugar	About 60% as sweet as sugar	~200x sweeter than sugar

Conclusion: Ice Breakers and Xylitol

In summary, yes, Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum contains xylitol. This ingredient is a key component that contributes to the gum's sugar-free status and provides significant benefits for human dental health by combating cavity-causing bacteria. For consumers, this makes it an excellent choice for a refreshing treat that also offers oral hygiene advantages, especially when chewed after meals. However, the importance of keeping this product away from pets, particularly dogs, cannot be overstated due to the serious health risks associated with xylitol ingestion. Always check the ingredients list for xylitol and store such products safely. For more information on xylitol safety for pets, visit the ASPCA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Ice Breakers gum is perfectly safe for human consumption. It is a sugar-free product that uses sweeteners like xylitol, which is well-tolerated by humans and even offers dental health benefits.

Xylitol is used in sugar-free gum because it provides a sweetness similar to sugar but cannot be fermented by the bacteria that cause tooth decay. This allows for a sweet taste without damaging teeth.

If a dog eats gum containing xylitol, it is a medical emergency. The xylitol can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and potentially liver failure. Immediate veterinary attention is required.

No, not all sugar-free gum contains xylitol. Many brands use a combination of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, including sorbitol, aspartame, or erythritol. It is always best to check the ingredients list if you are looking for a specific sweetener.

Xylitol has a very low glycemic index and provides strong dental health benefits by reducing harmful bacteria, a feature not present in other non-sugar sweeteners like aspartame. While sorbitol also offers mild dental benefits, it is generally considered less effective than xylitol.

Unlike dogs, xylitol is not considered toxic to cats. However, it is still recommended to keep all products containing xylitol away from pets as a general precaution.

According to some studies, a daily intake of 6 to 10 grams of xylitol, divided into three or more servings, is needed to achieve a significant dental health benefit. The chewing action itself also contributes to the positive effect.

Xylitol is safe for human consumption and can be used in baking. It can replace sugar in most recipes, but it will not cause yeast to rise. It's also important to remember its toxic effects on dogs, so any baked goods should be kept out of their reach.