If you are trying to cut down on sugar, you might have heard of both monk fruit and xylitol. They’re both used as sugar alternatives, but work in very different ways. In this guide, we will find out what xylitol is, what it’s found in, what it’s used for, and how it compares to monk fruit.
What is xylitol?
Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol, known as a polyol. Despite being called a sugar alcohol, this is not the same as alcohol found in drinks; instead, it’s a carbohydrate that tastes sweet but is absorbed differently by the body.
Is xylitol safe?
Yes, xylitol is considered safe when consumed in sensible amounts. Xylitol is listed as an approved sweetener under E967 in the UK and is used in multiple food, drink, and oral health products.
That said, “safe” doesn’t always mean suitable for everyone. Xylitol can cause digestive discomfort for some people as it’s a sugar alcohol and carbohydrate; it could cause side effects like bloating, gas, or toilet troubles.
One important safety note: xylitol is highly dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can be toxic, so any xylitol-containing products should always be kept well away from pets.
What is xylitol found in?
Xylitol can be found naturally in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, but the xylitol used in food and in oral care products is usually produced commercially. You will find xylitol in most toothpastes, mouthwashes, and chewing gum. This is because xylitol is associated with oral health benefits, as it does not feed on bacteria in the mouth in the same way sugar does.
What is xylitol used for?
Xylitol is mainly used to sweeten products whilst reducing the sugar content. Xylitol tastes very similar to sugar and works well in the food and oral health industry, where sweetness or the allure of sweetness is needed.
| Product type | How xylitol is used |
| Sugar-free gum and mints | To provide sweetness while supporting oral health |
| Toothpaste and mouthwash | To help sweeten oral care products without sugar |
| Sugar-free sweets | To give a sugar-like taste and texture |
| Some baked goods | To replace sugar while lowering overall sugar content |
| Cough syrups and chewable vitamins | To improve flavour without using regular sugar |
Monk fruit vs xylitol: The comparison
Although monk fruit and xylitol are both used as sugar alternatives, they differ a lot and should not be used in the same way.
Feature | Monk fruit | Xylitol |
| Type of sweetener | Fruit-derived sweetener from lo han guo/monk fruit | Sugar alcohol, also known as a polyol |
| Sweetness | Much sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed | Similar sweetness to sugar |
| Calories | Typically calorie-free | Lower in calories than sugar, but not calorie-free |
| Blood sugar impact | Popular with people looking to reduce their sugar intake | Lower impact than sugar, but still a carbohydrate-based sweetener |
| Taste | Naturally sweet and concentrated | Very similar to sugar |
| Digestive tolerance | Often easier for those avoiding sugar alcohols, depending on the product blend | Can cause bloating, gas or loose stools in some people |
| Dental health | Tooth-friendly as it does not contain sugar | Often used in dental products and sugar-free gum |
| Pet safety | Not known for the same dog toxicity concerns as xylitol | Highly toxic to dogs |
| Best used for | Everyday drinks, smoothies, desserts, baking and reducing sugar intake | Gum, mints, oral care products and some sugar-free foods |
| Everyday use | A strong option for daily sugar reduction | Useful, but best used mindfully, especially in larger amounts |
Monk fruit vs xylitol: What’s best for everyday use?
For everyday use, monk fruit is the more practical choice, especially if your goal is to reduce sugar without relying heavily on sugar alcohols. Xylitol has its place; it’s more of a product used to sweeten other products, not for daily use or as an alternative to sugar you would normally put in a hot drink, in smoothies, or when creating dishes.
Monk fruit, on the other hand, is intensely sweet, versatile and naturally derived. Because only a small amount of monk fruit sugar is needed, it works perfectly in everyday routines.
Discover monk fruit with Buddha fruit
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