What Is Xylitol (And Why Is It in Your Breath Spray?)

If you've looked at the ingredient list on a pack of sugar-free gum or a tube of toothpaste, there's a good chance xylitol is on it.

But like most ingredients on the back of a personal care product, most people don't know what it actually is or why it's there. Here's the explanation.

What is xylitol?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol - a category of carbohydrate found in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables. Commercially, it's typically derived from corn cobs or birch wood. It tastes sweet, with a sweetness level roughly equivalent to table sugar.

Why it's in Next Move

A breath spray should taste good, and we wanted that without sugar. Xylitol gives Next Move its sweetness, so every flavor is sugar-free. You'll find it in plenty of sugar-free gums and mints too.

Good to know

Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Keep Next Move out of reach of children and pets.

On the label

The full ingredient list is on every pouch and on our product page. Xylitol sits near the top of the list.