Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally present in small amounts in various fruits and vegetables.  The finnish name for Xylitol is "koivusokeri", or birch sugar, a reference to the extraction of Xylitol from birch bark.  Considerable amounts of Xylitol are formed in the body every day as a result of normal metabolic processes.  Although it is classified as a carbohydrate, this sweet crystalline substance is slowly absorbed  from the digestive tract and does not cause rapid rises in blood glucose.  In addition, the caloric impact of Xylitol is typically about 40% lower than other carbohydrates, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

Discovered simultaneously by French and German scientists in 1891, Xylitol has been safely used since the 1970's as an ingredient in gums and candies due to its unique and clinically proven dental benefits.  Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that cannot be utilized by bacteria in the mouth.  More recent research in laboratory animals has also shown that Xylitol may support healthy bones.*  The xylitol in this product is derived from a corn source.

Since 1968 NOW has been committed to providing high quality, affordable natural foods, vitamins and personal care products.  No compromises, no added costs, no unnecessary frills.

In addition to our Xylitol Plus with Stevia, NOW offers Xylitol and Stevia separately for your convenience, in a variety of forms.

We continue to provide certified organic or natural foods, grains, flours and seeds through health food stores.  As a family owned and operated business, we offer the health-conscious consumer three generations of honesty, quality, purity and commitment.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring low-calorie sweetener found in fruits, vegetables and certain hardwoods. Our bodies can produce up to 15 grams of Xylitol from other foods we ingest daily. This sweetener is not a newcomer in the marketplace. Initially discovered by a German scientist in 1891, sugar shortages caused by World War II stimulated a group of innovative folks from Finland to rediscover this wonderful sugar substitute. They called it “koivusokeri” or “birch sugar” because they derived it from a fiber found in birch tree bark. By the 1960s, Xylitol was being used in Europe, the Soviet Union and Japan. Today it’s used in the USA as a sweetener that’s approved by the FDA and the ADA. Though Xylitol is commercially manufactured from the cellulose of wood, cane pulp, seed hulls or cornhusk; NOW Foods Xylitol is made from cornhusk.

What’s the difference between Xylitol and regular table sugar?

Xylitol is technically not a sugar but rather a sugar alcohol (polyol). Unlike other well-known sugars like sucrose, fructose, sorbitol and dextrose that have 6 carbon atoms, Xylitol contains only 5 carbon atoms. Unlike sugar Xylitol is slowly absorbed, does not cause a rapid blood sugar increase and does not require an immediate insulin response from the body to be metabolized. Its unique characteristic accounts for the fact that this reduced calorie sweetener boasts 40% less caloric impact at 2.4 calories per gram versus 4 calories for sugar. Xylitol provides approximately the same sweetness as sugar with a slight cool sensation.

Are there any other health benefits that can attributed to Xylitol?

Many Clinical and field tests have proven that the consumption of Xylitol combined with proper oral hygiene significantly reduces new dental caries (cavities). It accomplishes this anti-cavity function via a couple of mechanisms. Food containing refined sugar is an energy source for bacteria like Streptococcus mutans that quickly multiply and produce harmful acids. When the pH of the bacterial laden saliva drops too far below a safe neutral level of 7, the calcium and phosphate elements of your tooth enamel start to dissolve and form small pores. This is the beginning of cavity formation. Because it doesn’t ferment, Xylitol is not a food source for these acid-producing bacteria. The bacteria count is reduced, the healthy neutral pH of the saliva is preserved and cavity formation is stopped in its tracks. Xylitol increases the flow of our naturally alkaline saliva that’s used to rinse the teeth of acids as well as helping to remineralize the enamel.

Serving Size: 1 Packet (1.8 g)

Servings Per Container: 75

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value

Calories    2.3      

Total Carbohydrate    1.76 g    <1%   

Sugar Alcohol (as Xylitol)    1.72 g    †   

Stevia Extract (Leaf) (Stevia rebaudiana) (min. 80% Rebaudioside-A)    45 mg    †   

* Percent Daily Values are based on 2,000 calorie diet.

† Daily Value not established.

Suggested Use:  As a dietary supplement, take one packet as desired.

Other Ingredient:  Silica.

Contains no:  salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, shellfish, preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or artificial sweeteners.

Stevia extract is a dietary ingredient.

Warning:  Xylitol is safe for people, but harmful to dogs.  Do not feed to pets.

Disclaimers:  *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Store in a cool, dry place.