Xylitol

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in the fiber of certain berries, oats, mushrooms and other fruits and vegetables. It’s as sweet as sugar but has 40% less calories than sucrose and is absorbed slower in the body which leads to fewer calories and lower blood glucose response.

Xylitol is commonly found in dental products due to positive effects on dental health and also found as a sugar alcohol in certain low calorie or low carbohydrate foods. When using as a sugar substitute the ratio is 1:1.

(Post content reviewed by MGH Nutrition Department)