E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor)

Direct Answer

E967 (Xylitol) is a five-carbon polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of xylose from birch wood or corn cobs. INS 967, ADI is Not Specified, offering 100% 1:1 sugar sweetness, a cooling endothermic mouthfeel, and active inhibition of Streptococcus mutans cavity bacteria.

Source: EFSA / US FDA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E967
INS / Codex Number	INS 967
Functional Class	Bulk Sweetener, Anti-Cariogenic Dental Agent, Humectant
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Toxic to dogs warning)
Relative Sweetness Index	100% Sucrose (Exact 1:1 sweetness match)
Caloric Value	2.4 kcal / g (40% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g
Heat of Solution (Cooling)	-36.5 cal/g (Strong refreshing cooling mouth sensation) cal/g
Common Target Foods	Dental chewing gums (Orbit/Trident), sugar-free mints, toothpastes, diabetic baking
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Plant birch/corn source), Halal, Kosher, High Canine Toxicity Warning
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.395)

Active Anti-Caries Mechanism on Oral Microbiome

Oral bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) absorb xylitol but cannot ferment 5-carbon polyols for energy. This 'futile cycle' starves the bacteria, prevents plaque lactic acid production, and actively promotes enamel remineralization.