Q1. What is xylitol and how is it made?

Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol, CAS 87-99-0, molecular formula C5H12O5 and molecular weight 152.15 g/mol. It is produced commercially from xylan-rich biomass, typically corn cobs, which are hydrolyzed to D-xylose and then catalytically hydrogenated to xylitol, followed by purification and crystallization. Purecium supplies FCC-grade xylitol as white crystalline powder from this plant-derived route.

Q2. How sweet is xylitol compared with sucrose, and what does it taste like?

Xylitol is approximately as sweet as sucrose (about 90-100% relative sweetness) with a clean sweet taste and a pronounced cooling effect caused by its negative heat of solution. That cooling sensation makes it the classic sweetener for peppermint gums and mints, and it works well blended with high-intensity sweeteners such as sucralose or steviol glycosides to fine-tune sweetness curves.

Q3. What purity and specification does Purecium supply?

Purecium supplies xylitol to the FCC monograph as white, free-flowing crystalline powder with minimum 99.0% assay by HPLC. Each lot is tested for identification, assay, loss on drying, reducing sugars, heavy metals, microbial limits and physical appearance, and USP-grade lots can be supplied on request with the results documented on the Certificate of Analysis.

Q4. Is xylitol suitable for low-glycemic and diabetic-friendly products?

Yes. Xylitol is slowly and incompletely absorbed and its initial metabolism does not require insulin, giving it a low glycemic index relative to sucrose. It is widely used in sugar-free and reduced-sugar products positioned for glycemic management, although intake should remain within sensible polyol limits and label declarations must follow the rules of the destination market.

Q5. What dental and oral-health evidence supports xylitol?

Xylitol is not readily fermented by oral plaque bacteria, so it does not contribute to acid production in the same way as sugars. Regulatory recognition exists in the European Union, where an authorized health claim states that chewing gum sweetened with 100% xylitol helps maintain tooth mineralization and reduce dental plaque. Finished-product claims must follow the authorized wording of each market.

Q6. How should xylitol be formulated in chewing gum and confectionery?

Xylitol can be incorporated directly into gum base and dissolves readily in water for hard and soft candy cooking. It has good heat stability, does not participate in Maillard browning with proteins, and crystallizes cleanly, though it is more hygroscopic than sucrose so packaging should be moisture-protective. Blending with other polyols and high-intensity sweeteners is common to manage sweetness, texture and cost.

Q7. Is xylitol safe in supplements and what intake limits apply?

Xylitol is an approved food ingredient in the United States (FDA GRAS) and the European Union (E967) with a long history of use. Like other polyols it can cause laxative effects or digestive discomfort at higher intakes, commonly above roughly 30-50 g per day for adults, and products containing more than a threshold of polyols must carry the excess-consumption labeling statement required in some regions.

Q8. Why must xylitol be kept out of pet products?

Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs: even small amounts trigger a strong insulin release that can cause dangerous hypoglycemia, and higher doses can lead to liver failure. Any manufacturer supplying bulk xylitol should ensure it is clearly labeled and that downstream pet-food or pet-treat applications are excluded. This is an important safety note for B2B buyers to pass along their supply chain.

Q9. Is xylitol vegan, non-GMO and allergen-free?

Yes. Xylitol from the corn-cob route is entirely plant-derived, contains no animal inputs, and is suitable for vegan labeling; the feedstock and process can be documented for non-GMO claims. It is allergen-free and gluten-free, and lots are non-irradiated with heavy-metal results conforming to FCC limits; these declarations are available on request.

Q10. How is xylitol quality verified in the laboratory?

Xylitol assay and purity are determined by HPLC with refractive-index detection against reference standards, supported by identification by retention time and melting behavior, loss on drying, reducing-sugar content, sulfated ash, heavy metals and microbial enumeration. Methods follow the FCC and USP-NF monographs, and buyers can request the HPLC chromatogram and full test data on the COA.

Q11. What is the difference between xylitol and other polyols like sorbitol or erythritol?

All three are sugar alcohols, but they differ in sweetness, cooling effect, caloric value and digestive tolerance. Xylitol (C5H12O5, 152.15 g/mol) is about as sweet as sucrose with a strong cooling effect and the dental-health benefit; sorbitol is less sweet with a mild cooling effect; erythritol is a smaller molecule with fewer calories and better digestive tolerance. Blends are often used to combine sweetness, texture and cost.

Q12. How should xylitol be stored and handled?

Xylitol powder should be stored sealed in a cool, dry area away from moisture and strong odors, because it is hygroscopic and can absorb water and pick up flavors. Use standard dust-control measures during handling and avoid sources of ignition during milling or conveying, since fine carbohydrate dust can form combustible atmospheres. Keep containers closed between uses and follow the SDS for detailed handling guidance.

Q13. Does xylitol require specific labeling for sugar-free or calorie claims?

Xylitol can support sugar-free, no-added-sugar and reduced-calorie label positions when the formulation complies with the nutrient-content claim rules of the destination market. In the EU, products containing xylitol must state 'excessive consumption may produce laxative effects' above defined polyol levels, and the authorized dental health claim has strict conditions (100% xylitol-sweetened chewing gum). Verify the labeling framework before launch.

Q14. What documentation should we request when sourcing xylitol?

Request the current specification sheet and batch Certificate of Analysis showing assay by HPLC, loss on drying, reducing sugars, heavy metals and microbial results, plus the SDS and allergen, gluten, non-GMO and vegan statements. Also request the FCC monograph reference, ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certificates, Kosher and Halal certificates where relevant, and stability data for your quality file.

Q15. What is the MOQ, packing and lead time for xylitol from Purecium?

The standard minimum order is 25 kg, and xylitol is packed in 25 kg multi-layer bags with food-grade inner liners; tonnage orders can be arranged with dedicated production slots. Samples and documentation are available before commitment. Standard lead time is typically 5 to 10 working days, with US warehouse stock enabling faster dispatch for North American customers.

Xylitol FCC Crystalline Powder - Corn-Cob Sweetener

Xylitol FCC-Grade Crystalline Powder for Sugar-Free Confectionery and Oral-Care Formulas
Corn-Cob-Derived Xylitol (C5H12O5) from Certified Production for Food and Supplement Manufacturing
Embodies the essence of pure, high-quality dietary supplement ingredients
Xylitol FCC Grade Powder
Sugar-Free Sweetener Oral-Care Builder

Xylitol
Purecium Xylitol is the five-carbon sugar alcohol used across sugar-free confectionery, chewing gum, oral-care and dietary applications, supplied as a B2B bulk raw material for food, beverage and supplement manufacturers. It carries CAS 87-99-0, molecular formula C5H12O5 and molecular weight 152.15 g/mol, and is offered in FCC-grade crystalline form derived from corn-cob hemicellulose, with a clean sweet taste, a pronounced cooling effect and a low glycemic response. Produced under certified quality systems, it is vegan, non-GMO and allergen-free, packed in 25 kg bags with full COA documentation and flexible bulk quantities.

Product name: Xylitol (FCC Grade)
Molecular formula: C₅H₁₂O₅
Starting material: Corn-cob hemicellulose (xylan) via D-xylose hydrogenation
Grade: FCC grade; USP grade available
Heavy Metals: Conforms to FCC/USP limits
Pesticide residue: Conforms to FCC/USP limits
Packing size: 25kg/bag
CAS#: 87-99-0
Molecular weight: 152.15 g/mol
Source: Biomass-derived (corn cob); China
Specification: Xylitol >=99.0% by HPLC; white crystalline powder
Country of origin: China
Residual solvent: Conforms to FCC/USP limits
Allergen free/Gluten-free/Non-GMO/Vegan/Non-Irradiation:

Xylitol Overview

Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol (pentitol) that occurs naturally in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables and is produced commercially from xylan-rich biomass. The compound carries CAS 87-99-0, molecular formula C5H12O5 and molecular weight 152.15 g/mol, and it is one of the most widely used bulk sweeteners in sugar-free products because its sweetness closely matches sucrose while its caloric and glycemic impact is much lower.

For food and supplement manufacturers, xylitol offers a combination of clean sweetness, a strong cooling effect, cariostatic (cavity-dampening) properties recognized in dental research, and good stability in dry and processed formats. Purecium supplies Xylitol as a B2B bulk ingredient for confectionery producers, oral-care brands, beverage companies, distributors and supplement manufacturers, in FCC-grade crystalline form with documented quality.

Source & Ingredient Identity

Commercial xylitol is produced from hemicellulosic xylan, most commonly from corn cobs, sugar-cane bagasse or birch wood. In the corn-cob route, the xylan is hydrolyzed to D-xylose, which is then catalytically hydrogenated to xylitol, followed by purification, crystallization and drying to give the characteristic white crystalline sweetener. Purecium sources FCC-grade xylitol from this biomass-based route, which is plant-derived, vegan and suitable for non-GMO labeling.

The declared product is xylitol, also written D-xylitol or xylite, with CAS 87-99-0, formula C5H12O5 and molecular weight 152.15 g/mol. FCC and food-grade specifications are standard, with USP-grade lots available on request; buyers should confirm the specification, particle size and packaging format against the batch Certificate of Analysis during qualification.

Key Characteristics of Xylitol

1. Defined pentitol with clean sweet profile. Xylitol (C5H12O5, 152.15 g/mol, CAS 87-99-0) delivers approximately the same sweetness as sucrose with a clean, cooling taste and a negative heat of solution that enhances mint and fruit flavors. This cooling effect is the reason xylitol is the preferred sweetener in sugar-free chewing gums and breath mints.

2. Low glycemic and oral-health credentials. Xylitol is absorbed slowly and is largely independent of insulin for its initial metabolism, giving it a low glycemic index, and its non-fermentability by oral plaque bacteria underlies the dental-benefit position recognized in regulatory health claims for chewing gum in the European Union. These properties make it a workhorse sweetener for sugar-reduction and oral-care product concepts.

3. Stable, crystalline and formulation-friendly. Xylitol is a white, free-flowing crystalline powder with good heat stability under typical food processing, no Maillard browning with proteins, and excellent solubility in water. It tolerates standard tableting, gum-base incorporation and hard- or soft-candy cooking, though formulators must manage its hygroscopicity and the well-known laxative threshold at higher intakes.

Xylitol Manufacturing

Xylitol production begins with xylan-rich agricultural residues, typically corn cobs, which are cleaned, milled and hydrolyzed to release D-xylose. The xylose syrup is purified by decolorization and ion exchange, then hydrogenated over a catalytic system to convert the sugar to xylitol; the resulting solution is concentrated, crystallized, centrifuged and dried to pharmaceutical-standard white crystals.

Finished lots are tested for assay and purity by HPLC, identification, loss on drying, reducing sugars, ash, heavy metals, microbial limits and optical rotation, with residual hydrogenation catalysts controlled where relevant. Analytical methods follow the FCC and USP-NF monographs for Xylitol and general chapters, and every batch is released with a Certificate of Analysis documenting the full test panel.

Applications of Xylitol

Sugar-free confectionery and chewing gum remain the largest application, where xylitol's sweetness, cooling effect and dental profile are the core value. It is used in hard and soft candies, chocolates, mints and gum, typically blended with other polyols and high-intensity sweeteners to balance sweetness, texture and cost, and the EFSA-authorized oral-health claim for xylitol chewing gum is an important label tool in the European market.

Oral-care and dietary applications form the second cluster. Xylitol appears in toothpaste, mouthwash, mints and chewable tablets positioned for dental health, and in sugar-free dietary supplements such as chewable vitamins, effervescent tablets, syrups and stick-packs where its clean taste and low glycemic load are valued. Formulators should respect the laxative threshold (typically above 30-50 g per day for adults), label polyol content where required, and keep xylitol-containing products clearly out of pet-food applications because of xylitol toxicity in dogs.

Manufacturing & Quality Control

Purecium Xylitol is produced in facilities operating under ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certified quality systems, with Kosher and Halal certification available. Every lot is tested for assay, identification, loss on drying, reducing sugars, heavy metals, microbial limits and physical appearance, with the FCC monograph as the reference specification and USP-grade options on request.

Each commercial lot is traceable from biomass intake through hydrolysis, hydrogenation and crystallization to the finished bag, and every batch is released on a Certificate of Analysis. Purecium also provides the specification sheet, SDS, allergen and gluten statements, non-GMO and vegan declarations, and stability data, and can coordinate third-party laboratory reports for customer qualification.

Xylitol for B2B Supplement Manufacturing

Purecium supplies Xylitol exclusively as a B2B bulk ingredient for food, beverage, oral-care and supplement manufacturers, distributors and private-label producers. The standard minimum order quantity is 25 kg; xylitol is packed in 25 kg multi-layer kraft bags with food-grade liners, and larger tonnage orders can be arranged with flexible lead times and dedicated production slots.

For North American customers, inventory is staged at Purecium's US warehouse, enabling rapid pickup or delivery, and global delivery covers Hong Kong, mainland China, the EU and other regions with full export documentation. Purecium provides specification and application support, polyol-blend guidance and regulatory documentation to help buyers qualify xylitol efficiently for each destination market.

Reviewed by the Chief Quality Assurance / Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Purecium for technical accuracy and regulatory alignment.
Xylitol Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for B2B Buyers

Q1. What is xylitol and how is it made?
Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol, CAS 87-99-0, molecular formula C5H12O5 and molecular weight 152.15 g/mol. It is produced commercially from xylan-rich biomass, typically corn cobs, which are hydrolyzed to D-xylose and then catalytically hydrogenated to xylitol, followed by purification and crystallization. Purecium supplies FCC-grade xylitol as white crystalline powder from this plant-derived route.
Q2. How sweet is xylitol compared with sucrose, and what does it taste like?
Xylitol is approximately as sweet as sucrose (about 90-100% relative sweetness) with a clean sweet taste and a pronounced cooling effect caused by its negative heat of solution. That cooling sensation makes it the classic sweetener for peppermint gums and mints, and it works well blended with high-intensity sweeteners such as sucralose or steviol glycosides to fine-tune sweetness curves.
Q3. What purity and specification does Purecium supply?
Purecium supplies xylitol to the FCC monograph as white, free-flowing crystalline powder with minimum 99.0% assay by HPLC. Each lot is tested for identification, assay, loss on drying, reducing sugars, heavy metals, microbial limits and physical appearance, and USP-grade lots can be supplied on request with the results documented on the Certificate of Analysis.
Q4. Is xylitol suitable for low-glycemic and diabetic-friendly products?
Yes. Xylitol is slowly and incompletely absorbed and its initial metabolism does not require insulin, giving it a low glycemic index relative to sucrose. It is widely used in sugar-free and reduced-sugar products positioned for glycemic management, although intake should remain within sensible polyol limits and label declarations must follow the rules of the destination market.
Q5. What dental and oral-health evidence supports xylitol?
Xylitol is not readily fermented by oral plaque bacteria, so it does not contribute to acid production in the same way as sugars. Regulatory recognition exists in the European Union, where an authorized health claim states that chewing gum sweetened with 100% xylitol helps maintain tooth mineralization and reduce dental plaque. Finished-product claims must follow the authorized wording of each market.
Q6. How should xylitol be formulated in chewing gum and confectionery?
Xylitol can be incorporated directly into gum base and dissolves readily in water for hard and soft candy cooking. It has good heat stability, does not participate in Maillard browning with proteins, and crystallizes cleanly, though it is more hygroscopic than sucrose so packaging should be moisture-protective. Blending with other polyols and high-intensity sweeteners is common to manage sweetness, texture and cost.
Q7. Is xylitol safe in supplements and what intake limits apply?
Xylitol is an approved food ingredient in the United States (FDA GRAS) and the European Union (E967) with a long history of use. Like other polyols it can cause laxative effects or digestive discomfort at higher intakes, commonly above roughly 30-50 g per day for adults, and products containing more than a threshold of polyols must carry the excess-consumption labeling statement required in some regions.
Q8. Why must xylitol be kept out of pet products?
Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs: even small amounts trigger a strong insulin release that can cause dangerous hypoglycemia, and higher doses can lead to liver failure. Any manufacturer supplying bulk xylitol should ensure it is clearly labeled and that downstream pet-food or pet-treat applications are excluded. This is an important safety note for B2B buyers to pass along their supply chain.
Q9. Is xylitol vegan, non-GMO and allergen-free?
Yes. Xylitol from the corn-cob route is entirely plant-derived, contains no animal inputs, and is suitable for vegan labeling; the feedstock and process can be documented for non-GMO claims. It is allergen-free and gluten-free, and lots are non-irradiated with heavy-metal results conforming to FCC limits; these declarations are available on request.
Q10. How is xylitol quality verified in the laboratory?
Xylitol assay and purity are determined by HPLC with refractive-index detection against reference standards, supported by identification by retention time and melting behavior, loss on drying, reducing-sugar content, sulfated ash, heavy metals and microbial enumeration. Methods follow the FCC and USP-NF monographs, and buyers can request the HPLC chromatogram and full test data on the COA.
Q11. What is the difference between xylitol and other polyols like sorbitol or erythritol?
All three are sugar alcohols, but they differ in sweetness, cooling effect, caloric value and digestive tolerance. Xylitol (C5H12O5, 152.15 g/mol) is about as sweet as sucrose with a strong cooling effect and the dental-health benefit; sorbitol is less sweet with a mild cooling effect; erythritol is a smaller molecule with fewer calories and better digestive tolerance. Blends are often used to combine sweetness, texture and cost.
Q12. How should xylitol be stored and handled?
Xylitol powder should be stored sealed in a cool, dry area away from moisture and strong odors, because it is hygroscopic and can absorb water and pick up flavors. Use standard dust-control measures during handling and avoid sources of ignition during milling or conveying, since fine carbohydrate dust can form combustible atmospheres. Keep containers closed between uses and follow the SDS for detailed handling guidance.
Q13. Does xylitol require specific labeling for sugar-free or calorie claims?
Xylitol can support sugar-free, no-added-sugar and reduced-calorie label positions when the formulation complies with the nutrient-content claim rules of the destination market. In the EU, products containing xylitol must state 'excessive consumption may produce laxative effects' above defined polyol levels, and the authorized dental health claim has strict conditions (100% xylitol-sweetened chewing gum). Verify the labeling framework before launch.
Q14. What documentation should we request when sourcing xylitol?
Request the current specification sheet and batch Certificate of Analysis showing assay by HPLC, loss on drying, reducing sugars, heavy metals and microbial results, plus the SDS and allergen, gluten, non-GMO and vegan statements. Also request the FCC monograph reference, ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certificates, Kosher and Halal certificates where relevant, and stability data for your quality file.
Q15. What is the MOQ, packing and lead time for xylitol from Purecium?
The standard minimum order is 25 kg, and xylitol is packed in 25 kg multi-layer bags with food-grade inner liners; tonnage orders can be arranged with dedicated production slots. Samples and documentation are available before commitment. Standard lead time is typically 5 to 10 working days, with US warehouse stock enabling faster dispatch for North American customers.
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