Xylitol

Xylitol (also known as E967) is a sugar alcohol and can be found naturally in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables. Xylitol sweetens in a similar way to sucrose and produces a cooling effect in the mouth with an attractive peppermint taste. Xylitol, like other sugar alcohols, can have a laxative effect. However in contrast to other sugar alcohols, a regular intake of xylitol causes the disappearance of the laxative effect as a result of habituation. Xylitol has a caries-reducing effect since the cariogenic bacteria absorb xylitol, but cannot explit it and consequently die. Xylitol is not a problem for people with hereditary fructose intolerance.