Reader Question of the Month – Can children also eat xylitol?

Written by Marina Lommel
1 minute reading time
17. July 2023 zuletzt aktualisiert am 6. October 2025 von Kimberly Werner
sugar on a spoon

Photo: Shutterstock / qoppi

Are children also allowed to eat xylitol?

Xylitol (also called birch sugar) is a healthy sugar substitute that is often used in low carb cooking. For us at Foodpunk, xylitol is also the first choice when it comes to an alternative sweetener. On our blog there is already an article on the topic “What is actually xylitol”.

In principle, xylitol is harmless to humans. It is hardly absorbed and metabolized. However, some people are sensitive to higher amounts – then xylitol can have a laxative effect.

Therefore, the same applies to children as to adults: approach the quantities slowly. Observe whether you are one of those people for whom xylitol has no effect at all, or whether you should rather be cautious at the beginning.

Children have a smaller digestive tract than adults, so they should approach it more carefully. However, if no laxative effect occurs and the child’s digestion tolerates the xylitol wonderfully, it can be safely consumed.

It’s then a great substitute for conventional sugar when you do have a sweet tooth or two. Nevertheless, sweet treats should always remain a rarity and meals should consist primarily of plenty of colorful vegetables, valuable protein and high-quality fats.

Always stay up to date with our Newsletter.

This article was written by

Marina Lommel

Marina gründete Foodpunk nach ihrem Abschluss in Ernährungswissenschaften und ist aktuell CEO des Unternehmens. Während ihres Studiums arbeitete sie in verschiedenen Bereichen, darunter in der Wissenschaftsredaktion beim Radio, Redaktion beim TV und Uni-Wissensmagazin sowie im Labor am DZNE in der Parkinsonforschung. Marina ist außerdem Autorin von 5 ernährungswissenschaftlichen Sachbüchern.

Similar posts by Foodpunk

Stress unterdruckt dein Immunsystem 1
5 minutes reading time

What is cortisol? – The daily bite of knowledge

Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. Because of its effect on the body, it is often referred to as "the stress hormone."

Braucht das Gehirn Kohlenhydrate?
6 minutes reading time

Does our brain need sugar?

Let's be clear. Does our brain need carbohydrates now? Or not?

Laurinsaure
7 minutes reading time

Lauric acid – healthy fatty acid from the coconut

What actually is lauric acid. Is the hype around them justified? Everything about the occurrence and effect of the fatty acid can be found in this overview article.

Coffee and half a coconut, next to it a wooden spoon with coconut oil
8 minutes reading time

What is this Bulletproof diet anyway?

The Bulletproof diet is a high-fat diet, based on the Paleo diet.

Gelatine Collagen Unterschied Foodpunk
4 minutes reading time

Gelatin vs. collagen – what is the difference?

Gelatin and collagen, both have something to do with connective tissue, but what again exactly? Kick yourself into our article and learn more.

Cholesterin ist wichtig
2 minutes reading time

Cholesterol as a basis – The daily bite of knowledge

Far too often, people rant about the "evil cholesterol." But do you actually know what cholesterol is used for in the body?

Avocado1
4 minutes reading time

Who invented the ketogenic diet?

No, the ketogenic diet is not a newfangled phenomenon for losing weight. It is not a crash diet or a passing trend.

Immunsystem stärken Grünkohlsalat / Boost your immune system with kale salad
3 minutes reading time

5 tips for a bear strong immune system

If you want to give your immune system a real power boost, take these 5 food punk tips to heart.

IMG 9977
4 minutes reading time

In 10 steps to becoming a food punk

More zest for life, vitality and health! Lose weight and feast at the same time! Supply the brain with energy! All this can be achieved with the right dietary changes.