Starch · Sweeteners
Sorbitol
The nutritive sweetener from hydrogenated glucose.
Sorbitol is a starch sweetener often used in diet foods, including diet drinks. It is called a nutritive sweetener because it provides 2.6 calories (11 kilojoules) per gram versus the 4 calories (17 kJ) of sugar and starch. Sorbitol also occurs naturally in many stone fruits.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol, also known as glucitol, obtained from glucose by hydrogenation, taking the aldehyde group to an additional hydroxyl group — hence the name sugar alcohol. It has properties related to those of other polyols as well as the sugars. Sorbitol is manufactured as a clear, colourless, viscous liquid at 70% w/w.
Food industry
Sorbitol is used in confectionery such as bread, cakes, jellies and creams, as it keeps the water content at a fixed level, preserves freshness and prevents deterioration. It is used as a cryoprotectant additive (mixed with sucrose and sodium poly-phosphates) in the manufacture of surimi, a highly refined, uncooked fish paste. Sorbitol is also used in beverages to harmonize flavours.
Cosmetic industry
Sorbitol is often used in cosmetic creams and milky lotions as a humectant and thickener, providing a refreshing feeling when applied to the skin. Some transparent gels can only be made with sorbitol, as it has a refractive index sufficiently high for transparent formulations. Another application is toothpaste, where sorbitol gives good resistance to fermentation and provides a refreshing sweetness.
Pharmaceutical industry
Sorbitol is used in the preparation of synthetic vitamin C, and as a stabilizer in pharmaceutical products.
Miscellaneous applications
Sorbitol can be used for manufacturing surfactants of the non-ionic type — widely used in food, cosmetics, dyes and paints. Combined with dry fatty acids it gives an excellent protective coating, and it is also used as a humectant in some cigarettes.