Xylitol is a naturally occurring low-calorie sweetener found in fruits, vegetables and certain hardwoods. It is used in North America 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.
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.