Liquid Glucose by Roquette

Liquid Glucose is a versatile sweetener and thickening agent used in a wide range of food and beverage applications. It is a clear, odourless, and viscous syrup made from corn starch and is commonly referred to as glucose syrup.  It has a wide range of applications such as confectionery, bakery, and ice cream, providing a smooth, consistent sweetness.

Additionally, it can be used as a thickener in sauces, jams, and jellies to improve the consistency and texture. In baking, it helps to maintain the moisture of baked goods and prevent them from drying out, ensuring a soft and fresh final product. Furthermore, liquid glucose functions as a humectant, keeping food items soft and pliable and extending their shelf life.

Added Benefits:

• Provides a consistent and stable level of sweetness, making it ideal for use in commercial food and beverage applications.
• Does not crystallise, making it ideal for use in confectionery and ice cream.
• Helps to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of food and beverage products.

Characteristic Features:

• Odourless and colourless
• Viscous texture
• Long shelf life

More Details:

Applications of Liquid Glucose

Also known as glucose syrup, it is a versatile ingredient used in various applications across industries. Here are some key applications:

Food Industry:

• Sweetener: Used as a sweetening agent in confectionery, beverages, desserts, and baked goods.
• Texture Modifier: Improves texture, mouthfeel, and shelf life in products like ice cream, jams, and sauces.
• Humectant: Retains moisture in products like cakes, cookies, and candies, preventing them from drying out.
• Binding Agent: Binds ingredients together in products like cereal bars and granola.

Brewing and Distilling:

• Fermentation Aid: Provides fermentable sugars for yeast in brewing beer and spirits.
• Flavor Enhancement: Adds sweetness and complexity to the final product.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Excipient: Used as a filler, binder, or sweetener in pharmaceutical formulations such as tablets and syrups.

Industrial Applications:

• Adhesive: Used in paper and textile industries as a binder in adhesives.
• Humectant: Used in cosmetics and personal care products to retain moisture.
• Animal Feed: Added to animal feed as an energy source.

Other Uses:

• Floral Preservative: Used in floral preservatives to extend the life of cut flowers.
• Tobacco Industry: Used as a sweetener and binder in tobacco products.

Liquid Glucose production:

The production of liquid glucose involves several steps. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Starch Hydrolysis: Starch, usually derived from corn or wheat, is hydrolyzed using enzymes or acids to break down the starch molecules into shorter chains of glucose molecules.
2. Neutralization: The hydrolyzed starch is neutralized to a pH of around 6-7 to stop the hydrolysis process and stabilize the glucose syrup.
3. Decolorization: The glucose syrup is filtered and treated with activated carbon or ion exchange resins to remove impurities and achieve the desired color.
4. Concentration: The decolorized syrup is concentrated by evaporation to increase the solids content and reduce the water content.
5. Deionization (optional): The concentrated syrup may undergo deionization to remove mineral ions, which can improve its stability and shelf life.
6. Conversion to Liquid Glucose: The concentrated syrup is further processed to convert it into liquid glucose by adjusting the glucose content and viscosity to meet specific requirements.
7. Filtering and Packaging: The final liquid glucose is filtered to remove any remaining impurities and then packaged for distribution and sale.

Liquid Glucose vs High Fructose Corn Syrup: A comparison

Liquid glucose and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are both sweet syrups used in food production, but they differ in composition and properties:

• Composition: Liquid glucose is primarily glucose, while HFCS is a mixture of glucose and fructose, with varying ratios (e.g., HFCS-55 contains 55% fructose and 45% glucose).
• Sweetness: HFCS is sweeter than liquid glucose due to its higher fructose content.
• Production: Liquid glucose is produced by hydrolyzing starch, while HFCS is produced by enzymatic isomerization of glucose to fructose.
• Applications: Liquid glucose is commonly used as a sweetener, thickener, and moisture-retaining agent in food products. HFCS is used primarily as a sweetener, especially in beverages and processed foods.
• Health Implications: HFCS has been associated with health concerns due to its high fructose content, including potential links to obesity and metabolic issues. Liquid glucose, being primarily glucose, is metabolized differently and is generally considered safer.

Overall, while both are used in food production, HFCS is sweeter and has different production processes and potential health implications compared to liquid glucose.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Liquid Glucose

What is Liquid Glucose?

Liquid glucose, also known as glucose syrup, is a thick, sweet syrup made from the hydrolysis of starch. It is commonly used as a sweetener and texture enhancer in food products.

How is Liquid Glucose made?

It is made by hydrolyzing starch, usually from corn or wheat, using enzymes or acids. The resulting mixture is then filtered, refined, and concentrated to form a syrupy liquid.

Is Liquid Glucose safe?

Yes, it is generally considered safe for consumption. It is a common food ingredient and is regulated by food safety authorities in many countries to ensure its safety.

Are there any side effects of Liquid Glucose?

While it is generally considered safe, excessive consumption may lead to some side effects:

• Digestive Issues: Large amounts can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea, particularly in individuals with digestive disorders.
• High Caloric Content: It is calorie-dense and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
• Potential Blood Sugar Spikes: While it has a lower glycemic index than sucrose, excessive intake can still lead to blood sugar spikes, especially in diabetic individuals.
• Dental Health: Like other sweeteners, it can contribute to dental cavities if consumed frequently and proper oral hygiene is not maintained.