# Crystalline Maltitol: A Sweet and Healthy Sugar Alternative

## What is Crystalline Maltitol?

Crystalline maltitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food products. It belongs to the polyol family and is derived from maltose through hydrogenation. This white, crystalline powder has become increasingly popular in the food industry due to its similar sweetness profile to sugar but with fewer calories.

## Key Characteristics of Crystalline Maltitol

Sweetness and Taste Profile

Crystalline maltitol offers about 75-90% of the sweetness of regular sugar (sucrose), making it one of the closest sugar alcohol alternatives in terms of taste. Unlike some other sugar substitutes, it doesn’t leave an unpleasant aftertaste, which contributes to its popularity.

Physical Properties

As a crystalline powder, maltitol has excellent stability and solubility. It dissolves easily in water and maintains its structure well in various food processing conditions. These properties make it particularly suitable for baked goods, chocolates, and other confectionery products.

## Health Benefits of Crystalline Maltitol

Lower Caloric Content

With approximately 2.1 calories per gram (compared to sugar’s 4 calories per gram), crystalline maltitol provides a significant calorie reduction. This makes it attractive for weight management and diabetic-friendly products.

Dental Health Advantages

Unlike sugar, crystalline maltitol doesn’t promote tooth decay. In fact, it’s considered tooth-friendly because oral bacteria can’t metabolize it into harmful acids that damage tooth enamel.

Glycemic Impact

While not completely carb-free, crystalline maltitol has a lower glycemic index (GI) than regular sugar. It causes a slower and smaller rise in blood glucose levels, making it a better option for people monitoring their blood sugar.

## Common Applications in Food Industry

• Sugar-free chocolates and candies
• Baked goods and pastries
• Chewing gums and mints
• Ice creams and frozen desserts
• Pharmaceutical products (as excipient)

## Safety and Consumption Guidelines

Crystalline maltitol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by food safety authorities worldwide. However, like other sugar alcohols, excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort such as bloating or diarrhea in some individuals. It’s recommended to gradually introduce maltitol-containing products into your diet.

For people with diabetes, while crystalline maltitol has advantages over sugar, it’s still important to account for its carbohydrate content in meal planning and monitor individual blood sugar responses.