An aspartame-free sugar substitute from NOW Foods. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally present in small amounts in various fruits and vegetables. The Finnish name for Xylitol is "koivusokeri," or birch sugar, a reference to the extraction of Xylitol from birch bark. Considerable amounts of Xylitol are formed in the body every day as a result of normal metabolic processes. Although it is classified as a carbohydrate, this sweet crystalline substance is slowly absorbed from the digestive tract and does not cause rapid rises in blood glucose. In addition, the caloric impact of Xylitol is typically about 40% lower than other carbohydrates, making it a healthy addition to any diet. Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.