Maltitol Crystalline: Properties and Applications in Food Industry

# Maltitol Crystalline: Properties and Applications in Food Industry

## Introduction to Maltitol Crystalline

Maltitol crystalline is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food products. It is derived from maltose through a hydrogenation process, resulting in a sweetener that closely resembles sugar in taste and texture but with fewer calories and a lower glycemic index.

## Physical and Chemical Properties

Maltitol crystalline has several distinctive properties that make it valuable in food applications:

– Appearance: White, crystalline powder
– Sweetness: Approximately 90% as sweet as sucrose
– Solubility: Highly soluble in water
– Caloric value: 2.1 calories per gram (compared to 4 calories per gram for sugar)
– Glycemic index: 35 (compared to 65 for sugar)
– Melting point: 145-150°C
– Hygroscopicity: Lower than other polyols

## Advantages in Food Applications

Maltitol crystalline offers several benefits for food manufacturers and consumers:

– Reduced calorie content compared to sugar
– Lower impact on blood sugar levels
– Tooth-friendly properties (non-cariogenic)
– Good thermal stability
– Excellent bulking properties
– Similar taste profile to sugar without bitter aftertaste

## Common Applications in the Food Industry

Maltitol crystalline finds wide application across various food categories:

### 1. Confectionery Products

– Sugar-free chocolates
– Hard candies
– Chewing gums
– Gummies and jellies

### 2. Baked Goods

– Cookies and biscuits
– Cakes and pastries
– Cereal bars

### 3. Dairy Products

– Ice cream
– Yogurts
– Flavored milks

### 4. Other Applications

– Pharmaceutical syrups
– Nutritional supplements

– Tabletop sweeteners

## Regulatory Status and Safety

Maltitol crystalline is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and approved for use in many countries worldwide. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of “not specified” for maltitol, indicating its safety when consumed in normal amounts.

## Conclusion

Maltitol crystalline serves as an excellent sugar alternative in the food industry, offering similar functional properties to sugar with reduced calories and lower glycemic impact. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, helping manufacturers create products that cater to health-conscious consumers without compromising on taste or texture.