Erythritol—Sugar-free Sweetener
Erythritol, CAS:149-32-6, is a zero-calorie, great-tasting sweetener perfect for sugar-free and reduced-calorie foods and beverages. OSAT Holding is a high-quality Erythritol manufacturer. We not only vigorously develop quality, but also are committed to providing customers with high-quality and low-price products as a China Erythritol manufacturer.
Overview – Erythritol
Chemical Structure: Erythritol is a four-carbon sugar alcohol (C4H10O4).
Natural Occurrence: It occurs naturally in some fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods.
Commercial Production: Produced industrially by fermenting glucose with yeast or other microorganisms.
Properties
Sweetness: About 60-80% as sweet as sucrose (table sugar).
Calories: Virtually calorie-free, containing 0.2 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for sucrose.
Glycemic Index: Zero, making it suitable for people with diabetes as it doesn’t raise blood sugar levels.
Digestive Tolerance: Generally well-tolerated with minimal gastrointestinal side effects, unlike other sugar alcohols that can cause bloating and diarrhea in larger quantities.
Heat Stability: Stable under heat, making it suitable for cooking and baking.
Uses
Food and Beverage Industry: Used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free and reduced-sugar products such as candies, baked goods, beverages, and chewing gums.
Home Use: Available as a granulated sweetener for use in cooking and baking.
Benefits
1. Low-Calorie: Helps in reducing calorie intake, beneficial for weight management.
2. Dental Health: Non-cariogenic, meaning it does not contribute to tooth decay.
3. Diabetic-Friendly: Does not affect blood glucose or insulin levels.
Safety
Regulatory Approval: Approved as safe by various health authorities, including the U.S. FDA, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), and WHO/FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
Tolerance: Generally well-tolerated in moderate amounts. Excessive consumption (over 50 grams per day) might cause digestive discomfort in some people.
Comparison to Other Sweeteners
Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Aspartame, Sucralose): Erythritol is considered more natural and less controversial regarding health concerns.
Other Sugar Alcohols (e.g., Xylitol, Sorbitol): Erythritol has fewer digestive side effects and a lower calorie count.
Natural Sweeteners (e.g., Stevia, Monk Fruit): Often combined with these to improve taste and baking properties.
Conclusion
Erythritol is a versatile, low-calorie sweetener with several benefits for weight management, dental health, and diabetes management. Its safety and tolerability make it a popular choice among sugar substitutes.