Erythritol, which appears as a white crystalline powder, is a bulk sweetener. Erythritol can be produced from glucose
fermentation. It is a white crystalline powder with a refreshing sweet taste, is not easily absorbed, is stable at high
temperatures, is stable in a wide pH range, and has a mild cooling sensation when dissolved in the mouth. It is suitable for a variety of foods.
Packaging & Transportation
I. Basic Information
Chemical Name
Erythritol
CAS Number
149-32-6
Molecular Formula
C₄H₁₀O₄
Molecular Weight
122.12 g/mol
Appearance
White crystalline powder or colorless transparent crystals
Solubility
Highly soluble in water (~37 g/100 mL at 25°C); slightly soluble in ethanol.
Sweetness
~70% sucrose sweetness (similar taste, no aftertaste).
Caloric Value
~0.2 kcal/g (vs. 4 kcal/g for sucrose).
pH Value
5.5-7.0 (10% aqueous solution, 25°C).
Storage Conditions
Store in a cool, dry place (<25°C), protected from moisture and light.
II. Applications
1. Food Industry
Low-Calorie Sweetener: Substitute for sucrose in sugar-free beverages, candies, and baked goods.
Diabetic-Friendly Foods: Used in metabolic products (insulin-independent).
Taste Optimization: Blended with high-intensity sweeteners (e.g., stevia) to improve mouthfeel.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
Excipient: Used as filler or diluent in tablets and capsules (improves flowability).
Oral Care: Lozenges and throat sprays for soothing sore throats (non-cariogenic).
3. Cosmetics Industry
Moisturizer: Used in lotions and creams for superior hydration (better hygroscopicity than glycerin).
Preservative Aid: Inhibits microbial growth (combined with phenoxyethanol).
4. Other Industries
Animal Feed: Enhances palatability and regulates gut health in pet food.
Chemical Synthesis: Intermediate for erythritol derivatives (e.g., erythritol fatty acid esters).
III. Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Standard | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥99% | |
| Moisture Content | ≤0.5% | |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤5 ppm | |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤3 ppm |
IV. Safety & Regulations
GRAS Status: Generally Recognized as Safe (21 CFR 184.1835).
EU Approval: Authorized as food additive (E968) with usage limits (e.g., ≤15 g/kg in beverages).
China Standard: GB 2760-2014 specifies maximum usage levels (e.g., ≤20 g/kg in candies).
Toxicity: Low toxicity; LD₅₀ (rat oral) ~15,000 mg/kg. Excessive intake may cause mild diarrhea.
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