Polydextrose

Polydextrose is a food ingredient classified as soluble fiber and is frequently used to increase the fiber content of food, replace sugar, reduce calories and reduce fat content. It is a multi-purpose food ingredient synthesized from dextrose, plus about 10 percent sorbitol and 1 percent citric acid. Its E number is E1200. The US FDA approved it in 1981.

History

Commercial manufacture of edible polydextrose originated with a process developed by Hans H. Rennhard.

Commercial Uses

Polydextrose is commonly used as a replacement for sugar, starch, and fat in commercial beverages, cakes, candies, dessert mixes, gelatins, frozen desserts, puddings, and salad dressings. Polydextrose is frequently used as an ingredient in low-carb, sugar-free and diabetic cooking recipes. It's also used as a humectant, stabiliser and thickening agent.

Polydextrose is a form of soluble fiber and has significant healthful prebiotic benefits Fact|date=January 2008. It contains only 1 kcal per gram and therefore is able to help reduce calories.

Polydextrose is known in the US by the brand names Litesse, Sta-Lite, and Trimcal.