Sorbitol Powder

About This Product

Sorbitol powder is crystalline sorbitol, formula C6H14O6, with CAS number 50-70-4 and the European additive number E420(i). It is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granule, produced by crystallising hydrogenated glucose syrup, and comes in standard and directly compressible grades.

The crystalline form serves a different purpose from the liquid. Once sorbitol is crystallised, its hydroxyl groups are engaged in the crystal lattice rather than available to bind atmospheric water, so the powder is far less hygroscopic than the syrup and can be handled, blended and tableted as a dry ingredient. Directly compressible grades are engineered with a particle structure that binds under pressure without a separate granulation step, which is why it is a standard diluent in chewable and lozenge tablets. It contributes bulk, a clean sweetness at around 60 percent that of sucrose and a pronounced cooling sensation from its negative heat of solution, which suits mint and medicated products where it also masks bitterness. It is non-cariogenic, provides about 2.6 calories per gram and gives a low glycaemic response. The same polyol tolerance limit applies as for the liquid.

It is used in chewable tablets and lozenges, sugar-free confectionery and chewing gum, as a bulk sweetener with high-intensity sweeteners, and in dietetic foods.

Bio Green Foods supplies sorbitol powder to specification on assay, particle size, loss on drying, reducing sugars, other polyols and heavy metals.