Which Berries Have Xylitol? A Guide to Natural Sources

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

While most commercially available xylitol is extracted from birch wood or corn cobs, it is a naturally occurring compound found in trace amounts in many fruits and vegetables. This has led many to wonder which berries naturally contain this sugar alcohol. Understanding the distinction between naturally occurring amounts and concentrated commercial products is key to both human dietary choices and pet safety.

Quick Summary

Find out which berries, such as raspberries and strawberries, contain naturally occurring xylitol in small quantities. Learn about the differences between natural and commercial sources and why concentration levels are important.

Key Points

Raspberries and Strawberries: These berries contain naturally occurring xylitol, with raspberries having one of the highest natural concentrations among fruits, though still very low.
Insignificant Natural Amounts: The amount of xylitol found in berries is minuscule and generally harmless to humans and most pets when consumed in moderation.
Danger Lies in Concentration: The primary risk of xylitol comes from highly concentrated, commercially manufactured products like sugar-free gum, candy, and certain peanut butters.
Pet Safety is Key: Pet owners must be aware that while a few berries are safe, processed human foods containing xylitol are extremely toxic to dogs and should be kept away from them entirely.
Other Berries and Fruits: Blackberries also contain trace xylitol, while studies show blueberries and cranberries contain minimal amounts. The highest levels of other sugar alcohols like sorbitol were found in rowanberries.

Understanding Xylitol: Natural vs. Commercial

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, or polyol, that is widely used as a sugar substitute due to its similar sweetness and lower caloric content compared to table sugar. It is also known for its dental health benefits in humans, as it helps inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. However, its presence, even in small amounts, is a significant concern for pet owners, particularly those with dogs, as it is highly toxic to canines.

The key distinction lies in the concentration. The vast majority of xylitol-related toxicity incidents in dogs are caused by ingesting concentrated forms of the sweetener found in products like sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and certain peanut butters. This is a stark contrast to the trace amounts found naturally in whole fruits.

Berries Containing Naturally Occurring Xylitol

Several berries contain naturally occurring xylitol, though the quantities are very low, and they pose no risk to human consumption and minimal risk to most pets when fed in moderation.

Raspberries ($$Rubus idaeus$$)

According to studies, raspberries contain one of the highest levels of naturally occurring xylitol among fruits. A Finnish study found that raspberries contained approximately 400 µg of xylitol per 1.0g of fresh weight. However, this amount is still extremely low compared to the concentration in commercial products. For most dogs, a handful of raspberries is harmless, but portion control is still recommended.

Strawberries ($$Fragaria sp.$$)

Strawberries are another common berry that contains trace amounts of xylitol. A 2010 study found approximately 44 mg of D-xylitol per 100g of fresh weight in strawberries. The concentration is low, making strawberries a safe treat for humans and, in moderation, for most pets. The small amount is not a health concern under normal dietary intake.

Blackberries ($$Rubus sp.$$)

Similar to raspberries, blackberries also contain trace amounts of naturally occurring xylitol. These amounts are considered insignificant for human health and are generally safe for dogs when consumed in small quantities. As with any fruit, large, excessive portions should be avoided for pets due to other factors like high fiber content.

Other Sources and Considerations

While not all berries have been extensively studied for their xylitol content, some research on other fruits and vegetables indicates low levels of xylitol are common in plant life. For example, cranberries have shown much lower levels in studies focusing on sugar alcohols. Blueberries are generally considered a safe, low-risk fruit for dogs, containing negligible amounts of xylitol.

Comparison of Xylitol and Other Polyols in Berries

The following table illustrates the relative natural levels of xylitol and other sugar alcohols found in certain fruits, based on scientific studies. This comparison highlights the low concentration of natural xylitol compared to other compounds.


Berry Type	Xylitol (µg/g fresh weight)	Sorbitol (mg/g fresh weight)	Mannitol (mg/g fresh weight)	Notes
Raspberry	~400	N/A	N/A	One of the highest natural xylitol concentrations among fruits.
Strawberry	~44 (mg/100g)	N/A	N/A	Contains trace amounts of D-xylitol.
Blackberry	Trace amounts	N/A	N/A	Similar to raspberries, contains small, naturally occurring amounts.
Cranberry	Low/Negligible	N/A	N/A	Contains other polyols, such as xylose.
Rowanberry	7.5–280 (pg/g)	Up to 5.3	Up to 0.38	Contains significant sorbitol levels.

Natural vs. Concentrated: Why It Matters for Pets

The most critical takeaway for pet owners is that the trace amount of xylitol in a few berries is vastly different from the highly concentrated form in manufactured goods. A dog would need to consume an impossibly large quantity of raspberries—literally dozens of cups—to reach a toxic dose from the natural fruit alone. The danger arises from products where xylitol is the primary or sole sweetener. These products include many "sugar-free" human foods.

List of Common Products with High Xylitol Content (Toxic to Dogs):

Sugar-free gum and candy: Chewing gum is one of the most common causes of xylitol poisoning in dogs due to its high concentration.
Certain brands of peanut butter: Always check the ingredients list, as some brands use xylitol as a sweetener.
Diet baked goods: Many sugar-free baking mixes and pastries contain concentrated xylitol.
Oral health products: Toothpaste and mouthwash often contain xylitol for its antibacterial properties.

Conclusion: Natural Distinctions and Smart Choices

In conclusion, yes, certain berries, most notably raspberries and strawberries, contain naturally occurring xylitol. However, the concentration is so minuscule that it poses no threat to human health and is not a concern for pets when consumed in moderation. The real risk lies with the consumption of products containing commercially concentrated xylitol. By understanding this distinction, you can confidently enjoy fresh berries while remaining vigilant about keeping manufactured sugar-free products containing xylitol away from your pets. For more information on xylitol safety, particularly concerning pets, authoritative sources like Preventive Vet offer detailed guidance. Find a list of xylitol-containing products on Preventive Vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among the berries studied, raspberries are noted to have one of the highest concentrations of naturally occurring xylitol, though this amount is still very low compared to commercial products.

No, the amount of naturally occurring xylitol in berries is so small that it is completely harmless to humans. Commercial xylitol is approved for consumption and is generally well-tolerated in moderate amounts.

Berries containing natural xylitol, such as raspberries and strawberries, are generally safe for dogs in small, controlled portions. The amount is too low to cause poisoning. The danger for dogs comes from concentrated, commercially manufactured xylitol found in processed foods.

The amount varies by berry. A study found raspberries contained about 400 µg of xylitol per gram of fresh weight, while strawberries contained approximately 44 mg per 100g. These are trace amounts.

Natural xylitol exists in minuscule amounts in fruits and vegetables. Commercial xylitol is manufactured by extracting and concentrating xylitol from plant materials like corn cobs or birch wood, resulting in a much higher concentration.

While most plant materials have some trace polyols, blueberries are generally considered low-risk for dogs regarding xylitol. The concentration is negligible, and they are often listed as a safe fruit for canines.

Dogs process xylitol differently than humans. Their bodies misinterpret it as sugar, triggering a rapid and massive release of insulin, which leads to a sudden and dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This can cause seizures or liver failure.