Techno Sucralose

Techno Sucralose is a high intensity, zero calorie sweetener. It is a very popular artificial sweetener that is used as a Sugar Substitute in Beverages, Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Products. It is synthesized by selective chlorination of Sucrose. It has 600 times the sweetness of sugar and is a zero calorie sweetener (as per FSSAI and US-FDA guidelines).

Characteristic Features:

• Zero calorie sweetener
• Artificial sweetener
• Sugar substitute
• 600 times sweeter than sugar

More Details:

Sucralose Powder: an overview

Sucralose (INS 955)  is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener derived from sucrose. Approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar, it is used in a variety of food & beverage industries, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical products. It is considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation, with few reported side effects. It is also an effective calorie reducer for people following special diets, like keto diet, as well as people with diabetes (type 1 or 2).

Applications of Sucralose  :

In Beverage Industry:

Sucralose Powder, as a zero-calorie artificial sweetener, is used in both carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, including soft drinks, juices, flavored water, and sports drinks. One of the key benefits of sucralose is its stability under a wide range of pH and temperature conditions, making it suitable for use in a variety of beverage formulations. It does not react with other ingredients commonly found in beverages, ensuring that the desired sweetness level is maintained throughout the product’s shelf life. Additionally, sucralose is non-cariogenic (does not contribute to tooth decay).

In Nutraceutical & Protein Supplement industry:

With its intense sweetness and zero-calorie content, it enables the creation of low-sugar or sugar-free nutraceuticals and protein supplements without compromising on taste. Its stability under diverse processing conditions is highly advantageous, as it can withstand high temperatures and extended storage periods without degrading, making it suitable for use in a wide range of formulations, including protein shakes, meal replacement powders, and dietary supplements.

In Pharmaceutical industry:

In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a sweetening agent in various medications, particularly in liquid formulations such as syrups and suspensions. Its high sweetness intensity and stability make it an effective choice for masking the bitter taste of certain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), improving the overall palatability and patient compliance of medications. It is also inert and does not interact with most medications, ensuring the stability and efficacy of the final pharmaceutical formulations. Additionally, its low caloric content and non-cariogenic properties are advantageous for pharmaceutical products intended for patients with specific dietary restrictions or health concerns.

Sucralose Powder production:

It is industrially produced through a multi-step process that begins with the chlorination of sucrose. This process substitutes three hydroxyl groups on the sucrose molecule with chlorine atoms, creating trichlorosucrose. The resulting compound is then chemically treated to remove the majority of chlorine atoms, yielding a mixture of chlorinated compounds. Through a series of purification steps, the desired compound is isolated and further refined to meet purity & quality standards.

Sucralose: Prices and Availability

The price can vary depending on factors like the supplier, import duties & laws, supply-demand fluctuations, quantity purchased, and purity level. Availability is generally stable, with several manufacturers producing it globally. However, fluctuations in demand and supply chain disruptions can impact its availability and pricing.

Sucralose safe for consumption: an analysis

It is considered safe for consumption by regulatory agencies around the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). These agencies have extensively reviewed the scientific literature on sucralose and have not found any evidence to suggest that it poses significant health risks when consumed within acceptable daily intake levels. It is also safe for consumption for diabetic people.   However, when consumed in high quantities, it can cause gastrointestinal issues, changes in gut bacteria & bloating.

Sucralose Powder & Bulking agents (Maltitol, Erythritol and Maltodextrin)

It is often combined with bulking agents like maltitol, erythritol, and maltodextrin in food products to optimise sweetness level, texture, bulk, and mouthfeel. Maltitol and maltodextrin are carbohydrates that add bulk and sweetness, while erythritol is a sugar alcohol with minimal calories and a cooling effect. These bulking agents help provide the volume and texture that sugar would normally contribute, allowing for the creation of low-calorie and sugar-free foods and beverages.

Sucralose Powder, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium & Saccharine: A comparison

Sweetness Level:

• Sucralose: Approximately 600 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar).
• Aspartame: About 200 times sweeter than sucrose.
• Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Around 200 times sweeter than sucrose.
• Saccharin: 200 to 700 times sweeter than sucrose, depending on the form.

Synthesis:

• Sucralose: Synthesized from sucrose through a multi-step process that involves chlorination and purification.
• Aspartame: Synthesized by combining amino acids aspartic acid and phenylalanine
• Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Synthesized by reacting acetoacetic acid with potassium hydroxide to form potassium salt of acesulfame.
• Saccharin: Synthesized from toluene or phthalic anhydride through a series of chemical reactions.

Properties:

• Sucralose: Heat-stable, suitable for cooking and baking, does not react with other food ingredients.
• Aspartame: Not heat-stable, breaks down at high temperatures, suitable for cold foods and beverages.
• Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Heat-stable, suitable for cooking and baking, does not react with other food ingredients.
• Saccharin: Heat-stable, suitable for cooking and baking, does not react with other food ingredients.

Applications:

• Sucralose: Used in a wide range of foods and beverages, including baked goods, dairy products, and soft drinks.
• Aspartame: Used in low-calorie and sugar-free foods and beverages, such as soft drinks, desserts, and chewing gum.
• Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Often used in combination with other sweeteners to enhance sweetness in various foods and beverages.
• Saccharin: Used in tabletop sweeteners, soft drinks, and other foods where heat stability is required.

These sweeteners have different properties and are used in various applications to provide sweetness without the calories of sugar. Their unique characteristics make them suitable for different types of products and manufacturing processes.

Want to learn more about sucralose? Click here

Frequently Asked Questions about Sucralose Powder:

What is the sweetness level of Sucralose Powder?

It is 600 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar).

Since Sucralose Powder is an artificial sweetener, does it have any side effects?

It is generally regarded as safe for consumption within daily recommended dosage, but can have adverse digestive effects if consumed more than the daily limits.

What is the recommended daily limit of consumption of Sucralose?

The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for sucralose, established by regulatory agencies like U.S.FDA is 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. (ex: a 70kg human can consume up to 350mg Sucralose per day safely).

Is sucralose safe for pregnant women?

Even though it is considered safe for general consumption, Sucralose should not be consumed by pregnant women due to chances of it passing the placenta and entering the foetus (as shown in some mammalian studies).

Is sucralose safe for infants?

It is not recommended for infants as it can cause digestive distress to their developing digestive system.

How to determine dosage of Sucralose for  fruit juices, protein powders etc?

Since it is 600X sweeter than sugar, its dosage for products can be calculated by dividing the amount of sugar being replaced per kg by 600, and using the calculated quantity per kg of the product.

Click here to read the US-FDA notice about High intensity sweeteners.