Tag: Xylitol sources

While widely known as a processed sweetener, xylitol is a natural substance found in the fibers of certain fruits and vegetables in trace amounts. The question of what foods have natural xylitol in them often surprises many, as the concentrations are far too low for sweetening purposes.

Xylitol is a popular sugar alcohol found in many low-calorie and sugar-free products, yet it is also a naturally occurring compound in a variety of fruits. Despite this natural presence, the concentration in whole fruits is minimal compared to the highly processed, concentrated xylitol used in commercial products. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake or ensuring pet safety.

According to the FDA, xylitol is a sugar alcohol approved for human consumption and used in a wide range of products due to its sweet taste and low glycemic index. This natural-but-processed sweetener is found in many everyday ingredients and products, so knowing where to find it is essential, particularly for pet owners, as it is highly toxic to dogs.

While most people associate xylitol with sugar-free gum and candies, a small amount of this sugar alcohol is naturally present in the fibrous parts of many fruits and vegetables, which is a stark contrast to the concentrated, commercially produced version.

While xylitol is found naturally in small amounts in various fruits and vegetables like strawberries and plums, the main source of commercial xylitol production is corn cobs. Though it was historically associated with birch trees, advances in agricultural processing have made corn cobs the more common and cost-effective raw material. This sweet, crystalline powder serves as a popular sugar substitute across the food and pharmaceutical industries.