Sucralose vs. Xylitol — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
Sucralose is a zero-calorie synthetic sweetener, stable under heat, often used in baking; xylitol, a sugar alcohol with fewer calories, promotes dental health but is less heat stable.
Difference Between Sucralose and Xylitol
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sucralose, a synthetic compound, is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and does not contribute calories to the diet, making it a popular choice for weight management and diabetic diets. Xylitol, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables and provides about 2.4 calories per gram, which is lower than regular sugar's 4 calories per gram.
While sucralose is heat stable and can be used in cooking and baking without degradation, xylitol also holds up reasonably well in heat but may not be as versatile in high-temperature applications like caramelization. Sucralose's stability makes it a preferred sweetener in various processed foods and drinks.
Sucralose is not metabolized by the body, thus it passes through without being absorbed, which can be beneficial for those monitoring their sugar intake. Whereas xylitol does have a small impact on sugar levels and provides some calories, its glycemic index is much lower than that of sugar, making it a safer alternative for diabetics than many other sweeteners.
One notable benefit of xylitol is its ability to reduce the risk of tooth decay by neutralizing pH levels in the mouth and inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. Sucralose, while non-cariogenic, does not offer dental benefits but does not harm teeth either.
Despite its benefits, xylitol can be toxic to dogs, making it a concern for pet owners. Sucralose does not pose the same risks to pets and is considered safe for general consumption in both humans and animals.
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Comparison Chart
Caloric value
Zero calories
2.4 calories per gram
Sweetness
600 times sweeter than sugar
Similar sweetness to sugar
Stability
Heat stable, suitable for cooking and baking
Less heat stable, suitable for most applications
Impact on health
Non-metabolizable, suitable for diabetics
Low glycemic index, fewer calories
Additional benefits
None specific to dental health
Reduces dental cavities, neutralizes mouth pH
Compare with Definitions
Sucralose
A synthetic sweetener that does not add calories.
Sucralose is often used in diet sodas to provide sweetness without the calories.
Xylitol
A sugar alcohol with a low caloric content.
Xylitol is used in chewing gum to reduce calories.
Sucralose
Known for being heat stable.
Sucralose can be used to make caramel without breaking down.
Xylitol
Found naturally in fruits.
Xylitol is extracted from birch wood or corn.
Sucralose
Not metabolized by the human body.
Sucralose passes through the digestive system unchanged.
Xylitol
Promotes oral health.
Xylitol gum is recommended by dentists to prevent cavities.
Sucralose
Suitable for diabetics.
Sucralose does not affect glucose levels.
Xylitol
Toxic to dogs.
Foods containing xylitol must be kept away from dogs due to toxicity risks.
Sucralose
Non-cariogenic.
Sucralose does not contribute to tooth decay.
Xylitol
Has a low glycemic index.
Xylitol is favored by diabetics for its minimal impact on sugar.
Sucralose
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener and sugar substitute. The majority of ingested sucralose is not broken down by the body, so it is noncaloric.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a chemical compound with the formula C5H12O5, or HO(CH2)(CHOH)3(CH2)OH; specifically, one particular stereoisomer with that structural formula. It is a colorless or white crystalline solid that is soluble in water.
Sucralose
An intensely sweet, heat-stable derivative of sucrose that contains no calories.
Xylitol
A sweet white crystalline alcohol derived from xylose, C5H12O5, used in gum and oral health products to inhibit bacteria that cause caries and as a dietary sugar substitute.
Sucralose
A selectively chlorinated sucrose, used as an artificial sweetener.
Xylitol
(chemistry) A pentahydric alcohol, C5H12O5, penta-hydroxy pentane; derived from xylose; used as a sweetener.
Common Curiosities
What is sucralose made from?
Sucralose is made from a modified sugar molecule where three hydrogen-oxygen groups are replaced with chlorine atoms.
Does sucralose affect blood sugar levels?
Sucralose has no impact on blood sugar levels, making it ideal for diabetics.
Is xylitol natural or synthetic?
Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance extracted from plants and can also be produced synthetically.
Can sucralose be used in baking?
Yes, sucralose is heat stable and can be used in baking.
Is xylitol safe for pets?
No, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and should be kept away from them.
Is sucralose safe for everyday use?
Sucralose is considered safe for general use when consumed within FDA guidelines.
Can xylitol help with weight management?
Yes, due to its lower caloric content compared to sugar, xylitol can help in weight management.
Can people with diabetes use xylitol?
Yes, xylitol has a low glycemic index and does not spike blood sugar levels like regular sugar.
Is xylitol good for oral health?
Yes, xylitol inhibits the growth of decay-causing bacteria and neutralizes acids in the mouth.
Are there any foods to avoid if allergic to xylitol?
People sensitive to sugar alcohols should avoid products labeled as "sugar-free" or "no sugar added" that might contain xylitol.
How many calories does xylitol have?
Xylitol contains about 2.4 calories per gram.
Does xylitol have any health benefits?
Yes, besides being lower in calories, xylitol helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Is sucralose better than xylitol for baking?
Sucralose's heat stability makes it more versatile for high-temperature baking.
What are the main uses of xylitol?
Xylitol is mainly used in dental care products and sugar-free snacks.
Does sucralose cause any side effects?
Some people may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, from excessive consumption.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
