ERYLITE®
- CAS Registry Number
- [149-32-6]
- E-Number
- E968
- Chemical Formula
- C₄H₁₀O₄
Introduction
ERYLITE® is a bulk sweetener with zero caloric value. Chemically, it is a four-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol). ERYLITE® is produced by microbial fermentation of a carbohydrate substrate. It is the only sugar alcohol that is considered to be natural.
ERYLITE® is a white odourless crystalline material or powder of high purity. ERYLITE® occurs naturally in a wide variety of foods, including many fruits and mushrooms, as well as in fermented foods such as cheese, wine, beer, and soy sauce. Its sweetening profile is very close to sucrose, while its sweetness amounts up to 60-70% of the sweetness of sucrose.
ERYLITE®’s metabolic profile is unique. It is readily absorbed in the small intestine and is excreted unchanged. This metabolic profile leads to the caloric value of ERYLITE® to be zero, and a glycemic index of zero.
ERYLITE® is non-cariogenic and positively influences oral biofilm formation. ERYLITE® has the highest digestive tolerance of all polyols used in food.
Functions
This ingredient offers you the following excellent functions.
- Anti-plaque (oral care)
- Bitterness masking agent
- Bulking agent or carrier
- Calorie reduction
- Flavour modulation
- Moisturising properties
- Off-note masking
- Reduction of tooth demineralisation (oral care)
- Sugar reduction
- Sweetener
- Sweetening
- Tablet disintegrant
- Tablet or capsule diluent
Specifications
Jungbunzlauer ERYLITE® is supplied in accordance with the current requirements of the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) and the European specifications for food additives on E968.
ERYLITE® is available in a granular fine grade.
ERYLITE® is available in 20kg net polyethylene bags.
Properties
- Natural
- Clean sweet taste
- 60-70% as sweet as sucrose
- Adds body and mouthfeel
- Masks off-tastes, e.g. of intense sweeteners or caffeine
- Zero calories
- Zero glycemic index
- High digestive tolerance
- Non-cariogenic
- Synergies with intense sweeteners
- Cooling effect upon dissolution
- Heat stable up to 180°C
- No Maillard browning reaction
- Causes freezing point depression
- Very low hygroscopicity
Legal aspects
In the EU there is a general approval for erythritol (E968) in food with limitation in particular applications (according to Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008).
Erythritol is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), in accordance with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and current GMP, with upper limits for specific applications.
CODEX ALIMENTARIUS recognises erythritol (INS 968) as sweetener in ‘General Standard for Food Additives’ as ‘Additives permitted for use in food in general, unless otherwise specified, in accordance with GMP’.
In Japan, erythritol is approved as food ingredient.
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