Sorbitol, a polyol (sugar alcohol)<\/em>, is a bulk sweetener found in numerous food products. In addition to providing sweetness, it is an excellent humectant and texturizing agent. Sorbitol is about 60 percent as sweet as sucrose with one-third fewer calories. It has a smooth mouthfeel with a sweet, cool and pleasant taste. It is non-cariogenic and may be useful to people with diabetes. Sorbitol has been safely used in processed foods for almost half a century. It is also used in other products, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.<\/p>\n
A French chemist first discovered sorbitol in the berries of the mountain ash in 1872. It occurs naturally in a wide variety of fruits and berries. Today it is commercially produced by the hydrogenation of glucose and is available in both liquid and crystalline form.<\/p>\n
Sorbitol has been affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is approved for use by the European Union and numerous countries around the world, including Australia, Canada and Japan.<\/p>\n
In the United States, sorbitol is provided by a number of manufacturers, including Archer Daniels Midland, Roquette America, Inc. and SPI Polyols, Inc.<\/p>\n
Functional Advantages<\/h2>\n
Sorbitol is used as a humectant in many types of products for protection against loss of moisture content. The moisture-stabilizing and textural properties of sorbitol are used in the production of confectionery, baked goods and chocolate where products tend to become dry or harden. Its moisture-stabilizing action protects these products from drying and maintains their initial freshness during storage.<\/p>\n
Sorbitol is very stable and chemically unreactive. It can withstand high temperatures and does not participate in Maillard (browning) reactions. This is an advantage, for example, in the production of cookies where a fresh color with no appearance of browning is desired. Sorbitol also combines well with other food ingredients such as sugars, gelling agents, proteins and vegetable fats. It functions well in many food products such as chewing gums, candies, frozen desserts, cookies, cakes, icings and fillings as well as oral care products, including toothpaste and mouthwash.<\/p>\n
Facts About Sorbitol<\/div>
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Provides bulk and sweetness with a clean, cool pleasant taste<\/li>\n
Provides one-third fewer calories than sugar–about 2.6 calories per gram<\/li>\n
Is an excellent humectant, texturizing and anti-crystallizing agent<\/li>\n
Can be used in a wide variety of products, including sugar-free candies, chewing gums, frozen desserts and baked goods<\/li>\n
Does not contribute to the formation of dental caries<\/li>\n
May be useful as an alternative to sugar for people with diabetes on the advice of their health care providers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n