Xylitol: A Promising Sweetener Produced by Candida sp.

UNLABELLED: Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that has low-glycemic sweetener suitable for diabetics. It prevents cavities, functions as a prebiotic, and has emollient and moisturizing properties. Xylitol uses as a food additive, sweetener, and dental products. Although the global xylitol market is growing, driven mainly by the chewing gum industry, its production depends on expensive and unsustainable chemical methods, which has motivated the development of biotechnological alternatives. This review examines biotechnological xylitol production in Candida species. These yeasts convert efficiently xylose-containing biomass into xylitol, presenting a more economical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional extraction methods. The review will discuss xylitol applications, microbial production, advantages, production parameters, specific strains used, advantages and challenges. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-025-01456-1.