Xylitol is a sugar alcohol derived from the sugar xylose. Xylitol comes from birch bark. An alternative sweetener, Xylitol helps prevent cavities and sweetens foods made for diabetics. It contains 40 percent fewer calories than sugar and still provides a sweet flavor.
Fruits and Vegetables
Xylitol originates from the fibers in fruits and vegetables, including mushrooms, raspberries, strawberries, yellow plums, lettuce and cauliflower. In fruits and vegetables, xylitol constitutes less than 1 percent, according to a study led by researcher R. Sreenivas Rao in a 2004 issue of "Process Biochemistry." Extracting xylitol from fruits and vegetables is not cost-effective given the tiny amount extracted; therefore, scientists create most xylitol in labs.
Candy
The American Diabetes Association recommends xylitol in moderation for diabetics, and confectioners add it to candy marketed to people with diabetes. Lollipops, syrups, cookie mixes, brownie mixes and jellies all may contain xylitol. Typically, the label will indicate a product contains xylitol, and the ingredients will also list it.
Gum
Sugar-free gum often contains xylitol, which decreases its calories and prevents cavities. A study in the 2007 "Journal of Applied Oral Sciences" conducted by Steffen Mickenautsch found that sugar-free gum with xylitol was effective in reducing cavities when chewed after meals. The stimulation of saliva that chewing gum causes, the lack of sucrose in the gum and the inability of bacteria in the mouth to break down xylitol into acids are how xylitol gum is able to reduce cavities, the study found.
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