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Last reviewed July 16, 2026

Xylitol (E967)

Xylitol is the tooth-friendly sweetener made from birch or corn. It is plant-based, though a quick warning: it is dangerous to dogs.

Where it hides

  • Sugar-free gum and mints
  • Toothpaste and oral care
  • Diabetic and low-sugar foods
  • Sweetener sachets

What it is

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol as sweet as sugar but tooth-friendly, made from a plant sugar called xylose.

Primary source 01 / 01

It is sometimes also called birch sugar as it can be extracted from birch wood.

Wikipedia encyclopedia entry Xylitol, 2025

Plant-based, but keep it from dogs

Xylose from birch or corn is hydrogenated into xylitol, a plant route with no animal input, so it is vegan. One safety note that has nothing to do with veganism: xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, so keep gum and baked goods that contain it well away from pets.

Frequently asked

Is E967 vegan?

Yes. E967 is xylitol, made from plant material such as birch or corn, so it is vegan.

Is xylitol safe for dogs?

No. Xylitol is toxic to dogs even in small amounts. This is a pet-safety issue rather than a vegan one, but it is important to know if you have a dog.

The sources

What each verdict rests on. Read them yourself.

  • Xylitol · Wikipedia, 2025 · encyclopedia overview

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