What foods have xylitol in them?

October 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, xylitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in small amounts in some fruits and vegetables like plums, strawberries, and cauliflower, yet it is most often encountered as a concentrated food additive. Understanding what foods have xylitol in them requires checking ingredient labels, as this sweetener is increasingly used in a wide range of products.

Quick Summary

Xylitol is a natural sweetener and sugar substitute added to many commercial products like sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods. While also found in trace amounts in some fruits and vegetables, pet owners must be aware of its presence, as it is highly toxic to dogs.

Key Points

Prevalence: Xylitol is common in sugar-free gums, mints, candies, and some nut butters as a low-calorie sweetener and dental health aid.
Natural Sources: Small, trace amounts of xylitol can be found naturally in fruits and vegetables like strawberries, plums, and cauliflower.
Commercial vs. Natural: The concentration of xylitol is much higher in commercial food products than in its natural fruit and vegetable sources.
Pet Danger: Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
Labeling: To identify xylitol, check ingredient labels for "xylitol," "birch sugar," or the code "E967," especially on sugar-free or low-sugar items.
Dental Benefits: In humans, concentrated xylitol helps reduce dental decay by inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria.

Commercially Produced Xylitol in Additive Form

The majority of the xylitol humans consume comes from commercially produced, concentrated versions used as a sugar substitute. This is because industrial extraction from sources like corn cobs or birch trees is more efficient than gathering the tiny amounts found naturally in plants. This additive is prized for its similar sweetness to sugar but with fewer calories and a low glycemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes. It also boasts dental benefits, as oral bacteria cannot ferment it like sugar.

Common Products with Added Xylitol

Xylitol's versatility means it shows up in numerous consumer goods. Checking the ingredient list is the only surefire way to know if a product contains it, but some categories are more likely to contain concentrated amounts.

Sugar-free chewing gum and breath mints: Perhaps the most well-known sources, where it is added for sweetness, dental health benefits, and a cooling sensation.
Sugar-free and low-sugar candies: Includes gummy candies, hard candies, and chocolates marketed as "diet" or sugar-free.
Baked goods and dessert mixes: Found in some commercially prepared sugar-free cakes, muffins, and cookies, as well as bulk xylitol sold for baking at home.
Certain nut butters: A critical point for pet owners, some brands of peanut and other nut butters include xylitol as a sweetener. Always check the label before sharing with a dog.
Oral hygiene products: Toothpaste, mouthwash, and lozenges frequently contain xylitol to combat oral bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
Cough syrups and chewable vitamins: This is a less obvious source, and these products are often found in medicine cabinets, where curious pets might access them.
Dietary supplements: Many protein powders and other supplements use sugar alcohols like xylitol to reduce the calorie count.
Jams, jellies, and syrups: Sugar-free varieties may contain xylitol to maintain a sweet taste without the sugar content.
Some ice creams and frozen desserts: Especially those branded as "skinny" or sugar-free.

Naturally Occurring Xylitol in Food

While the commercial products contain concentrated amounts, xylitol is naturally present in very small, trace amounts in a variety of plant-based foods. These concentrations are negligible from a health or toxicity standpoint, but it is interesting to know where the compound originates.

Fruits: Some fruits with naturally occurring xylitol include strawberries, raspberries, and plums.
Vegetables: Vegetables like cauliflower, corn, and lettuce contain trace amounts.
Mushrooms: Certain types of mushrooms also contain small quantities.

Comparison of Xylitol Sources


Feature	Naturally Occurring Xylitol	Commercially Added Xylitol
Concentration	Very low (trace amounts)	High (used as a main sweetener)
Food Examples	Berries, cauliflower, mushrooms	Sugar-free gum, diet baked goods, some nut butters
Source	Found in plant fibers	Extracted from birch, corn cobs, or other plant material
Risk to Pets	Negligible (extremely small amounts)	High (can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure)
Identification	Not listed as an ingredient, only inherent	Must be listed on the ingredients panel

Pet Safety and Identification

The most critical information about foods with xylitol concerns its extreme toxicity to dogs and ferrets. In dogs, even small amounts can cause a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and liver failure. Products with concentrated xylitol must be kept well out of a pet's reach. Owners should be vigilant and read labels carefully.

To identify xylitol, look for the following on ingredient lists:

Xylitol
Birch Sugar
E967 (The European food additive code)
Terms like "sugar alcohol" may indicate its presence, but other sugar alcohols exist.

Conclusion

From chewing gum and candy to surprising additions in nut butters and baked goods, xylitol is a ubiquitous sugar substitute. While it offers benefits like fewer calories and reduced dental decay for humans, its high concentration in commercial products presents a serious risk to pets, especially dogs. The trace amounts found naturally in fruits and vegetables are not a concern. For consumer and pet safety, always check ingredient labels for "xylitol" or related terms, especially in products that are sugar-free or low-sugar. Awareness is key to safe consumption and protecting our furry companions.

For more information on xylitol's impact on pets, visit the FDA's consumer update: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/paws-xylitol-its-dangerous-dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Xylitol is found naturally in very small, trace amounts in fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and plums, as well as vegetables such as cauliflower, corn, and mushrooms. The concentration is insignificant compared to commercially added xylitol.

Common commercial products with added xylitol include sugar-free chewing gum, mints, certain candies, some diet baked goods, specific brands of peanut butter, oral hygiene products like toothpaste, and chewable vitamins.

Yes, xylitol is generally considered safe for human consumption and is approved by the FDA. However, excessive intake can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, especially when first introduced to the diet.

In dogs, xylitol causes a rapid and potent release of insulin, which leads to a dangerous and potentially fatal drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Human metabolism is different and does not have this same insulin response.

The most important step is to check the ingredient label. Look for "xylitol" listed, as it is required to be disclosed. You might also see terms like "birch sugar" or the European additive code "E967".

No. Many "sugar-free" products use xylitol as the sweetener, so a sugar-free label is not a guarantee that the item is xylitol-free. Always read the ingredient list to be sure, especially if you have a pet.

For humans, xylitol is beneficial for dental health, as it can reduce the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. It also has a lower calorie count than sugar and a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.