What can I substitute for xylitol?

Running low on xylitol? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

xylitol — ingredient substitution guide — Photo by Mushtaq Hussain on Pexels

About xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol derived from birch wood or corn cobs, with a sweetness level almost identical to that of regular sugar. It has a low glycaemic index and produces a mild cooling sensation on the palate when dissolved. Commonly used as a sugar substitute in baking, beverages, and confectionery, it does not caramelise or support yeast fermentation.

Best substitute

erythritol

Another sugar alcohol with a very similar sweetness profile and low glycaemic index, making it the closest structural substitute for xylitol. It produces a slightly more pronounced cooling effect and has about 70% the sweetness of sugar, so a small increase in quantity may be needed.

Use 1⅓ cups for every 1 cup — erythritol is slightly less sweet so increase quantity slightly

bakingbeveragesconfectioneryyeast-leavened bakingcaramelising

Alternative

stevia (granulated blend)

Granulated stevia blends (often bulked out with erythritol or inulin) mimic the volume of xylitol while providing equivalent sweetness. Pure stevia extract is far more concentrated, so pre-blended granulated products are far easier to swap in at a 1:1 ratio.

Use 1 cup for every 1 cup — use a granulated stevia blend, not pure extract

bakingbeveragessaucescaramelisingyeast-leavened baking

What is xylitol called in other countries?

Country	Name
Australia	xylitol
United Kingdom	xylitol
United States	xylitol

Common names for xylitol

birch sugarwood sugarbirch xylitol

Related ingredients

white sugar

3 substitutes available

brown sugar

2 substitutes available

caster sugar

1 substitute available

honey

2 substitutes available

icing sugar

1 substitute available

jaggery

5 substitutes available

Alternative

white sugar (caster sugar)

Regular caster sugar is the most accessible substitute and performs similarly in texture and structure, but it has a high glycaemic index and will support yeast fermentation, which xylitol does not. Not suitable for those managing blood sugar or following a ketogenic diet.

Use 1 cup for every 1 cup

bakingbeveragescaramelisingyeast-leavened bakinglow-GI dietsketogenic diets

Alternative

monk fruit sweetener (granulated blend)

Granulated monk fruit sweetener blends are zero-calorie and low-GI, making them a suitable xylitol alternative for diabetic or ketogenic applications. Most commercial blends are formulated to a 1:1 sweetness ratio with sugar and xylitol, though they do not caramelise.

Use 1 cup for every 1 cup

bakingbeverageslow-GI dietscaramelisingyeast-leavened baking

Alternative

coconut sugar

Coconut sugar is a less refined sweetener with a lower glycaemic index than white sugar, though still considerably higher than xylitol. It adds a mild caramel-like flavour and brown colour to recipes, and will support caramelisation, making it a good option where the cooling effect and diabetic-friendly properties of xylitol are not the primary concern.

Use 1 cup for every 1 cup — expect a darker colour and caramel flavour

bakingcaramelisingsaucesketogenic dietsstrict low-GI diets