The healthiest sugar substitute, therefore, is a small quantity: A large amount of any sugar substitute could be harmful. “The dose makes the poison,” Weisenberger says.

Xylitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free candy, gums and oral hygiene products like mouthwash and toothpaste.

"Sugar substitute linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, study finds." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 June 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com / releases / 2024 / 06 / 240606152237.htm>.

It’s a common low-calorie sugar substitute used in candy, gums, and baked goods, and oral products like toothpaste because it’s suggested by other studies to prevent tooth decay.