All Natural Great Taste NuNaturals pure Xylitol (pronounced zi-li-tol) is a white crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar. Xylitol is classified broadly as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a polyol. Xylitol is not actually a sugar, but a sugar alcohol. It is different from sweeteners such as fructose, sorbitol, and glucose because the xylitol molecule has five, instead of six, carbon atoms. Xylitol is slowly absorbed and partially utilized, 40% less than other carbohydrates. Xylitol has been used in foods since the 1960s. In the U.S., Xylitol is approved as a food additive for foods with special dietary purposes. Xylitol does not promote tooth decay. Our bodies produce up to 15 grams of xylitol from other food sources using established energy pathways. Xylitol is not an artificial substance, but a normal part of everyday metabolism. Xylitol is widely distributed throughout nature in small amounts. Some of the best sources are fruits, berries, mushrooms, lettuce, hardwoods, and corn cobs.NuNaturals