If xylitol (SIGH-li-tall) isn't the ideal substitute for sugar, it's darn close. This totally natural and safe compound has a white granular appearance, similar to and a bit coarser than table sugar. Spoon for spoon you measure and use it just like sugar. Xylitol has a cool, neutral sweetness. Because it metabolizes so slowly, xylitol has a negligible effect on blood sugar levels, making it ideal for diabetics and dieters. In the kitchen xylitol works for most recipes except when you're baking with yeast, or when making certain types of candy. Not only is xylitol a lot kinder to your teeth than sugar, it's actually been found to inhibit the formation of cavities.