Is Xylitol Safe?
Xylitol is the additive E967 — a plant-based sugar alcohol that actively protects teeth — safe for humans but extremely toxic to dogs.
Is Xylitol safe to eat?
E967 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E967.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Xylitol?
E967 is the E-number for xylitol, one of the artificial & intense sweeteners group of food additives (E900–E999). Additives in this group sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar. A sugar alcohol made from plant material such as birch or corn cobs. Xylitol is the only common sweetener with proven dental benefits — it starves the bacteria that cause tooth decay. But it is life-threateningly toxic to dogs, causing rapid insulin release and liver failure even in small amounts. Like every E-number, E967 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E967 in detail below.
What foods contain Xylitol?
E967 (Xylitol) is typically found in:
- Sugar-free chewing gum
- Mints
- Toothpaste
- Diabetic products
- Baking substitutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xylitol bad for you?
Yes. E967 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Xylitol vegan?
E967 is vegan. A sugar alcohol made from plant material such as birch or corn cobs, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Xylitol halal?
E967 is halal. A sugar alcohol made from plant material such as birch or corn cobs, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E967 (Xylitol) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).