# Crystalline Maltitol: Properties and Applications

## Introduction to Crystalline Maltitol

Crystalline maltitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food products. With its sweet taste and low glycemic index, it has gained popularity among health-conscious consumers and food manufacturers alike.

## Chemical Properties

Maltitol is a disaccharide alcohol derived from maltose through hydrogenation. The crystalline form has several distinct properties:

– Molecular formula: C12H24O11
– Sweetness: Approximately 90% as sweet as sucrose
– Caloric value: 2.1 calories per gram (compared to 4 calories for sugar)
– Melting point: 145-150°C
– Solubility: Highly soluble in water

## Physical Characteristics

The crystalline form of maltitol exhibits specific physical traits:

Appearance

White, odorless crystalline powder with a clean, sweet taste similar to sugar.

Texture

Fine, free-flowing crystals that resemble granulated sugar in appearance and handling properties.

## Health Benefits

Crystalline maltitol offers several advantages over regular sugar:

• Lower glycemic index (GI 35 compared to sugar’s GI 65)
• Does not promote tooth decay
• Suitable for diabetics when consumed in moderation
• Better tolerated than some other polyols

## Food Applications

The food industry utilizes crystalline maltitol in various products:

Confectionery

Widely used in sugar-free chocolates, hard candies, and chewing gums due to its excellent heat stability and similar sweetness profile to sugar.

Baked Goods

Functions well in cookies, cakes, and pastries as it provides bulk and texture similar to sugar while reducing calories.

Pharmaceuticals

Used as an excipient in chewable tablets and syrups to improve palatability without affecting blood sugar levels significantly.

## Industrial Production

The manufacturing process of crystalline maltitol involves several steps:

1. Extraction of starch from corn or wheat
2. Enzymatic conversion of starch to maltose
3. Hydrogenation of maltose to produce maltitol syrup
4. Crystallization and purification to obtain the crystalline form

## Storage and Handling

Proper storage conditions are essential for maintaining quality:

Store in a cool, dry place at temperatures below 25°C (77°F) with relative humidity below 65%. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption.

## Regulatory Status

Crystalline maltitol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and approved for use in many countries worldwide. It’s classified as a food additive with E-number E965 in the European Union.

## Conclusion

Crystalline maltitol serves as an excellent sugar alternative with numerous functional and health benefits. Its similarity to sugar in taste and texture makes it particularly valuable for food formulators creating reduced-sugar products without compromising quality or taste.