Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally present in small amounts in various fruits and vegetables. The Finnish name for Xylitol is &ampquot;koivusokeri&ampquot;, or birch sugar, a reference to the extraction of Xylitol from birch bark. NOW&ampreg; Pure Xylitol is derived from a Non-GMO corn source.&ampnbsp;Considerable amounts of Xylitol is formed in the body every day as a result of normal metabolic processes.&ampnbsp;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.&ampnbsp;In addition, the caloric impact of Xylitol is typically about 40% lower than other carbohydrates, making it a healthy addition to any diet.&ampnbsp;Discovered simultaneously by French and German chemists in 1891, Xylitol has been safely used since the 1970's as an ingredient in gums and candies.&ampnbsp;Dentists and Nutritionists alike encourage the use of Xylitol due to its unique and clinically proven dental benefits.&ampnbsp;Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that cannot be utilized by&ampnbsp;bacteria in the mouth.&ampnbsp;Xylitol...a safe alternative for your sweet tooth.Since 1968 NOW has been committed to providing high quality, affordable natural foods, vitamins and personal care products. No compromises, no added costs, no unnecessary frills.We continue to provide certified organic or natural foods, grains, flours and seeds through health food stores. As a family owned and operated business, we offer the health-conscious consumer three generations of honesty, quality, purity and commitment.In addition to our Pure Xylitol Packets, NOW offers Xylitol Plus with Stevia in packets as well as bulk xylitol. For a complete listing of tasty dessert recipes using Xylitol, please refer to the popular cookbook Sweeten Your Life the Xylitol Way by Karen Edwards, PhD.Then God said, &ampquot;I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.&ampquot; Gen. 1:29Where can I use Xylitol?The best thing about NOW&ampreg; Xylitol Packets is that it can take the place of the sugar you're already using.After all, it looks like sugar, tastes like sugar and pours just like regular sugar!Add it to your morning coffee, your evening tea, holiday baked goods, your most delectable desserts, or just sprinkle it on anything you'd like to sweeten naturally.For best results, simply replace each 1/2 teaspoon of sugar with 1 convenient (Xylitol packet to enjoy the reduced calorie sweetness that nature intended.