Crystalline Fructose (Krystar) by Tate and Lyle

Fructose is a naturally occurring form of sugar found in many fruits, honey, and table sugar. It is widely used as an additive in food and beverage products for its sweet taste. Crystalline Fructose (Krystar) by Tate and Lyle is a high-quality, pure form of fructose that offers numerous benefits compared to traditional forms of sugar.

Characteristic Features

• Purity: Pure form of fructose, free from any impurities or additives.
• Sweetness: Significantly sweeter than table sugar (sucrose), allowing for a reduction in the amount used in food and beverage applications.
• Solubility: Crystalline fructose dissolves easily in water, making it a versatile ingredient for various applications, including beverages, baked goods, and condiments.

Added Benefits

• Calorie Reduction
• Stability

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Applications of Crystalline Ftructose

Crystalline fructose, also known as fruit sugar, is a natural sweetener derived from fruits and honey. It is sweeter than sucrose and has several applications in the food and beverage industry:

1. Sweetener: Crystalline fructose is used as a sweetening agent in a variety of food products, including beverages, dairy products, baked goods, and confectionery items. It provides sweetness without the high glycemic index of sucrose.
2. Beverages: It is commonly used in beverages such as sports drinks, fruit juices, and flavored waters to enhance sweetness and improve flavor.
3. Baked Goods: Crystalline fructose is used in baking to sweeten products like cakes, cookies, and muffins. It can also improve the texture and moisture content of baked goods.
4. Dairy Products: It is used in dairy products like yogurt and ice cream to add sweetness and enhance flavor.
5. Preserves and Jams: Crystalline fructose is used in the production of preserves and jams to sweeten the products naturally.
6. Nutritional Bars: It is used in the production of nutritional bars and snacks as a sweetening agent and binder.
7. Health and Wellness Products: Crystalline fructose is used in various health and wellness products, including dietary supplements and meal replacements, as a sweetening agent.
8. Medical Applications: It is also used in certain medical applications, such as in oral rehydration solutions, due to its sweetening properties and ability to improve palatability.

Production of Crystalline Fructose

Producing crystalline fructose involves several steps, typically starting from corn or sucrose. Here’s a general overview:

1. Feedstock Selection: Crystalline fructose can be produced from different sources, but corn or sucrose are common starting materials. Corn is processed into glucose and then converted into fructose, while sucrose is directly hydrolyzed into fructose and glucose.
2. Enzymatic Hydrolysis: If using corn as the feedstock, it is first processed into glucose using enzymes. This step breaks down the cornstarch into simpler sugars.
3. Isomerization: In this step, glucose is converted into fructose using an enzyme called glucose isomerase. This reaction is essential for increasing the fructose content.
4. Purification: The fructose mixture is then purified to remove impurities and other sugars. This process involves filtration, ion exchange, and sometimes chromatography to obtain a high-purity fructose solution.
5. Crystallization: The purified fructose solution is concentrated and then cooled to induce crystallization. The crystals are separated from the mother liquor using centrifugation or filtration.
6. Drying: The wet crystalline fructose is dried to remove excess moisture and obtain the final product, which is then milled to the desired particle size.
7. Packaging: The crystalline fructose is packaged into various sizes for distribution and sale.

Each step requires careful control of temperature, pH, and other process parameters to ensure the quality and purity of the final product.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Crystalline Fructose

What is the sweetness level of Crystalline Fructose?

Crystalline fructose is considered to be the sweetest among all nutritive sweeteners. It is approximately 1.8 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar)

Does Crystalline Fructose have any side effects?

Crystalline fructose is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet. However, excessive consumption of fructose, including crystalline fructose, can lead to several potential side effects:

Digestive Issues: Some people may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially when consuming large amounts of fructose.

Weight Gain: Consuming high amounts of fructose, particularly from added sugars like crystalline fructose, can contribute to weight gain and obesity if not balanced with physical activity.

Increased Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: Excessive fructose consumption has been associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Liver Issues: Fructose is primarily metabolized in the liver, and excessive consumption can contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in some individuals.

Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Some studies suggest that high fructose intake, particularly from added sugars, may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

What is the recommended daily limit of consumption of Crystalline Fructose?

The recommended daily limit of consumption of crystalline fructose, like other added sugars, varies depending on age, sex, activity level, and overall health. However, health organizations generally recommend limiting added sugar intake to less than 10% of total daily calories. For an average adult consuming about 2000 calories per day, this would equate to no more than 200 calories or about 50 grams of added sugars per day.