Erythritol (E968) is a novel bulk sweetener with a caloric value close to zero. In appearance it is a white, crystalline powder looking similar to table sugar. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyol), produced by microbial fermentation of a carbohydrate substrate like sugar, and the only sugar alcohol that is considered to be natural because of the natural presence in some fruits and fermented foods. The relative sweetness is about 60-70% of that of sugar.
The main advantages of erythritol to other polyols are:
- zero calories
- naturalness
- digestive tolerance
- sweetness
- overall taste impression (very similar to sugar with no off-taste)
- chemistry (size and water content)
 
In Europe, erythritol may be added to all foodstuffs (except beverages), following the "quantum satis" principle.
 
Technical benefits of Erythritol:
- it shows a cooling effect on dissolution due to its highly negative heat of solution
- no Maillard browning reaction
- causes a freezing point depression in frozen foods
- stable in a broad pH range between 2 and 10
- good solubility in water
- very low hygroscopicity
- heat stable up to 180°C
 
Acatris has several granulations of erythritol available, please contact our sales department to find out which type is most suitable for your application.