Xylitol, also called wood sugar or birch sugar, is a five-carbon sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables, including various berries, corn husks, oats, and mushrooms. It can be extracted from corn fiber, birch, raspberries, plums, and corn. Xylitol is roughly as sweet as sucrose but with two-thirds the food energy (calories). (Wikipedia)

Amazingly, Xylitol is actually good for your teeth since it inhibits plaque formation by maintaining the right acid/alkaline balance in the mouth. It also inhibits Candida Albicans and solves the problem some people experience going on the Candida diet which allows no sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar etc. Along with Stevia - another plant derived sweetener - Xylitol helps those of us with a sweet tooth to stay on this challenging diet. Xylitol is also a natual insulin stabilizer that helps stop sugar and carbohydrate cravings. It does not raise insulin levels and is considered a low glycemic food.