Product Review: Xlear SparX Xylitol-Sweetened Candy & Tooth Gel

Xlear and Moms Meet recently sent me a generous package of Xlear SparX xylitol-sweetened candies and kids' toothpastes. I was especially excited to have my kids try the toothpaste, as research has linked xylitol to lower rates of tooth decay. Xlear is best known for their sinus sprays for treating and preventing allergies and congestion, but I learned they actually carry a variety of products from candy to toothpaste.

The toothpaste, Kid's Spry Toothgel with Xylitol, was perfect for our toddler who loved the flavor. It's fluoride-free, which some parents prefer, especially if their child is already getting fluoridated water, fluoride treatments, or supplements that may contain fluoride. Because it's fluoride-free it is safe for use with younger children who may still be swallowing more than they're spitting.

Xlear describes its SparX candies as part of "a growing line of healthy, xylitol-based candies. Xlear SparX is sweetened naturally with xylitol, a plant-based, dentist recommended sweetener that’s been proven to improve dental health and strengthen tooth enamel." The kids I shared the candy with described it as "yummy," "crunchy", "weird tasting," "very sweet" and "cool." The best thing about these tiny, crunchable little candies is the plastic canister they come in. The kids enjoyed shaking the candies in their container and dispensing just a few candies at a time. Grown-ups who tried the candies said some of the flavors tasted "off" (including some flavors that tasted downright off-putting) but others were very tasty. Some people found the shape and texture off-putting. One person complained the candies were too small and they preferred candies to be either chewy or to be hard sucking candies rather than something in-between like this. Another parent felt that the candies being so small was an advantage, as she could dispense just two or three as an incentive or reward to the child. The kids had no complaints over the crunch of the candies. The tasters almost unanimously preferred the Citrus flavored candy pack, with the Berry pack coming in second and the Fruit flavors coming in last.

SparX are a great option for parents seeking candies for their children that are free of natural colors and flavors and are sweetened with a sugar that won't promote tooth decay. Check out Xlear's website for a full range of products.