Maltitol Powder (Crystalline) by MCLS

Maltitol Powder is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products. It is derived from maltose and is a popular alternative to sugar for those watching their calorie intake or managing their blood sugar levels.

Characteristic Features of Maltitol Powder

• Low Glycaemic Index
• Sweetness
• Smooth Texture

Added Benefits of Maltitol Powder

• Calorie Reduction: Maltitol is lower in calories compared to sugar
• Stabilisation: Maltitol can help stabilise food and beverage products
• Low Glycaemic Impact: Maltitol’s low glycemic impact makes it a suitable sweetener for individuals with diabetes or those watching their blood sugar levels.

More Details:

Maltitol: An Overview

Maltitol (available in both powder & syrup forms)  is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a low-calorie sweetener in sugar-free and reduced-sugar products. It is derived from maltose, a sugar found in corn syrup, through a hydrogenation process.

Maltitol is about 90% as sweet as sugar but contains fewer calories, making it a popular choice for people looking to reduce their calorie intake or manage blood sugar levels. It has a similar taste and texture to sugar and can be used in a variety of foods, including candies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages.

While maltitol is generally considered safe for most people, it can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, especially when consumed in large amounts.

Individuals with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be more sensitive to these effects.

It’s important to consume maltitol in moderation and be aware of how your body reacts to it.

Applications of Maltitol Powder

As a bulking agent in High Intensity Sweeteners:

It is commonly used as a bulking agent for high-intensity sweeteners (HIS) such as sucralose, acesulfame K and stevia. HIS are several times sweeter than sugar, but they are often much lighter in weight and lack the volume that sugar provides in recipes.

Maltitol is added to provide the necessary volume and texture in products like tabletop sweeteners, sugar-free candies, and beverages.

This combination allows for the creation of sugar-free or reduced-sugar products that closely mimic the taste and texture of their sugary counterparts.

Maltitol’s ability to provide bulk and sweetness without the calories of sugar makes it a valuable ingredient.

As a Sweetener in Food & Beverage Industry:

It provides a sweet taste similar to sugar but with fewer calories, making it suitable for individuals looking to reduce their sugar intake. Maltitol is often used in products such as candies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages to provide sweetness and texture.

Its ability to retain moisture also makes it a popular choice for use in products that need to maintain a soft or chewy texture. Maltitol’s versatility and sugar-like taste make it a valuable ingredient for creating a wide range of low-calorie and sugar-free food and beverage products.

Production of Maltitol

Maltitol is produced through the hydrogenation of maltose, a starch derivative. The process involves combining maltose with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, typically a nickel catalyst, at high temperature and pressure. This reaction converts the maltose into maltitol, a sugar alcohol.

The resulting maltitol is then purified and crystallized to produce a white, granular powder that is about 90% as sweet as sugar. Maltitol can also be produced from other carbohydrates, such as sorbitol or glucose, through similar hydrogenation processes.

Price and Availability trends of Maltitol Powder

The price and availability of maltitol can vary depending on demand, production costs, and market conditions. Generally, maltitol has stable prices on a quarterly basis, and is readily available in 25kg packs across the year due to competitive production scale and multiple brands providing this product.

Frequently Asked Question about Maltitol

Is Maltitol safe to consume during pregnancy?

Yes, maltitol is Generally Regarded as Safe for pregnant women.

Is Maltitol safe to consume for infants?

It is not recommended for infants as it can be safe in small quantities, but can cause digestive distress to their developing digestive system.

What are the side effects of Maltitol?

Common side effects of erythritol include digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea, especially when consumed in large amounts. Very few people may also experience allergic reactions.

Does maltitol caramelise?

No, it does not have caramelising properties.

Why is maltitol added to sucralose?

It is added to Sucralose and other High Intensity sweeteners as a bulking agent to provide sugar like crystal texture and desired sweetness level without imparting added calories.

Is maltitol bad for me?

Maltitol (E965) is generally regarded as safe when taken in moderate quantities.

Click here to find out where Maltitol stands among other sugar alcohols.

Click here to access the Codex Alimentarius page (WHO) of Maltitol.