CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES
Chemical Class: Randomly linked polymer of glucose (thermal polymerization of glucose)
Description : Polydextrose, white or milky white non-crystalline powder, is a polymer of
D-glucose with some bound Sorbitol and Citric acid.
Function : The sugar polymer Polydextrose, because of its bulking properties, is used to
replace a number of the technical effects of sucrose in various applications, i.e.
baked goods, salad dressings, frozen desserts, and candies.
It is a unique reduced-calorie (one calorie/gram) bulking agent that can be
used to substitute sugars and, in some instances fats.
Because of its structure, Polydextrose is not readily digested, so it is a
low-calorie sucrose substitute.
Polydextrose is a form of highly soluble fibre used to replace sugar and other
high-glycemic carbohydrates. It has a negligible effect on blood sugar levels
and a glycemic index of about 5.
Relative Sweetness: Not sweet. (Used together with other sweeteners)
Taste : Bland.
Stability : Stable under food manufacturing conditions, i.e. baking. Stable in
Solubility : Soluble at ambient temperatures with light agitation.
Safety : Safe.
ADI : Not specified (the safest category allocated by JECFA)
Approval : Widely approved internationally.
Applications:
- Frozen dairy desserts and mixes
- Baked goods and baking mixes
- Sweet sauces
- Chewing gum
- Jellies
- Salad dressings
- Gelatines, puddings and fillings
- Peanut Spreads
- Confections and frostings
- Fruit spreads
- Hard candy
- Soft candy
- Low-calorie, low-sugar, low-fat foods
- Beverages with dietary fibre
- An ideal ingredient for diabetic diet
- Health care product for weight loss and constipation
- Flour
- Dairy products
- Seasoning for hot pot and instant noodles,
- Jam, vinegar, soy sauce
- Meat products
Advantages:
- Low calorie (1 calorie per gram)
- Bulking agent, often added to compensate for the bulk lost by substituting sweeteners
for sugars. Contributes solids to maintain palatability and textural qualities without
sweetness
- Maillard reaction i.e. undergoes browning and flavour development
- Humectant, absorbs water and provides tenderness and softness in baked products
and candy
- Texturiser
- Partial fat replacer
- Tooth friendly
- Suitable for diabetics
- Water-soluble, easily incorporated in food systems.
- Bodying agent, improves mouth feel and viscosity qualities.
- Polydextrose is considered 90% soluble fibre and has a low glycemic index of four to
seven
Nutritional Function:
- Dietary fibre
- Low-calorie (1 Kcal/g) substitute for sugar or fats in various foods.
- Low-Carb