My diet:

E967 Xylitol

E967SweetenersOrigin: Plant
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Every diet

VeganYes
Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoDepends

Low blood sugar impact, but it has calories. Small amounts fit; most people count about half its grams as carbs.

Low-FODMAPNo

Xylitol is a polyol and high-FODMAP. Avoid it in the elimination phase.

The short answer
Xylitol (E967) is a sugar alcohol as sweet as sugar, with fewer calories and little effect on blood sugar. It helps protect teeth, but it's extremely poisonous to dogs, and large amounts can upset your stomach.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE967
Comes fromPlant
What it doesSweeteners
Glycemic index7
Daily limitNot set
Also calledXylitol, Birch sugar

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits
🇪🇺 European UnionWarning label required
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US as a food additive for special dietary use. In the EU, foods with more than 10% added polyols must carry the warning "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects." No daily limit has been set.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol with about 40% fewer calories than sugar. Mouth bacteria can't ferment it, which is why it's the go-to sweetener in sugar-free gum.

Where it comes from: Made by adding hydrogen to xylose, a sugar taken from birch wood or corn cobs. Small amounts occur in fruits and vegetables.

Why it’s in food

  • Sweetens gum and mints without feeding cavity bacteria
  • Replaces sugar one-for-one
  • Adds a cool, fresh taste

Often found in

Sugar-free gumMintsToothpaste and mouthwashSugar-free peanut butterLow-sugar baked goods

Also listed as: Xylitol, Birch sugar, Sugar alcohol

Health & gut impact

DogsConcern

Even small amounts can cause a dangerous blood sugar drop and liver failure in dogs. Keep xylitol gum and foods away from pets.

FDA, "Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs"

TeethBenefit

Chewing gum sweetened with xylitol instead of sugar helps protect tooth enamel.

EFSA health claims opinion on sugar replacers (2011)

Heart and blood clottingUnder study

People with higher blood xylitol had more heart attacks and strokes; it made platelets clot more easily in the lab.

Witkowski et al., European Heart Journal (2024)

DigestionConcern

Large amounts cause bloating, gas and diarrhea; EU labels must warn about it.

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III

What can I use instead?

Erythritol

Ratio: 1.3:1

Best for: Baking, gentler on the gut

Allulose

Ratio: 1.3:1

Best for: Baking

Related

Xylitol vs Erythritol

More sweeteners:

Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) E950Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, E950) is a zero-calorie sweetener approved in the US, EU and Canada. EFSA re-checked it in 2025 and raised its daily limit. It's usually paired with sucralose or aspartame to hide a slightly bitter aftertaste.Use in moderationAlluloseAllulose is a "rare sugar" that tastes like sugar but has almost no calories and doesn't raise blood sugar. It's keto-friendly and browns like real sugar in baking.Generally safeAspartame E951Aspartame (E951) is a zero-calorie sweetener in diet soda. It's approved, but WHO's cancer agency called it "possibly carcinogenic" in 2023, and people with PKU must avoid it.Use in moderationErythritol E968Erythritol (E968) is a zero-calorie sugar alcohol popular in keto foods. A 2023 study linked high blood levels to heart risk, and large amounts can upset your stomach.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Xylitol safe?

Use in moderation (68/100). Approved in the US as a food additive for special dietary use. In the EU, foods with more than 10% added polyols must carry the warning "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects." No daily limit has been set.

Is Xylitol vegan?

Yes.

Is Xylitol gluten-free?

Yes.

Is xylitol dangerous for dogs?

Yes. Even a few pieces of xylitol gum can be life-threatening for a small dog. If your dog eats something with xylitol, call a vet right away.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 172.395 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E967
  • FDA, "Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs"
  • EFSA health claims opinion on sugar replacers (2011)
  • Witkowski et al., European Heart Journal (2024)
  • Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Annex III

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 967 · CAS 87-99-0