E953: Isomalt

What is E953 (Isomalt)?

Isomalt (E953) is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used as a sugar replacement in various food products. It is unique among sugar alcohols as it is the only one derived directly from sucrose (table sugar). With approximately 45-65% of the sweetness of sugar but half the calories, isomalt provides bulk and texture similar to sugar while offering improved stability in various applications. It is particularly valued in confectionery for its ability to create clear, non-sticky candy products with excellent shelf life.

Source and Production

Isomalt is produced through a two-step process from sugar beet:

Source material: Derived from sucrose (table sugar) from sugar beet 2. Production process:
- Enzymatic transformation of sucrose to isomaltulose (palatinose)
- Catalytic hydrogenation of isomaltulose to produce isomalt
- Purification and crystallization 3. Chemical composition:
- Mixture of two disaccharide alcohols: gluco-mannitol and gluco-sorbitol
- Contains approximately equal parts of both components

Though derived from natural sugar, the production involves significant processing.

Common Uses in Food

E953 is used in a variety of food products, including:

Hard candies and lozenges
Sugar-free chocolates
Chewing gum
Cough drops
Baked goods
Breakfast cereals
Ice cream and frozen desserts
Tabletop sweeteners
Nutritional supplements
Pharmaceutical products (tablet binding agent)

Functional Properties in Food

Isomalt offers several valuable functional properties:

Low hygroscopicity: Absorbs very little moisture from the air, maintaining product crispness
Heat stability: Resistant to melting and browning at high temperatures
Long shelf life: Products maintain quality during extended storage
Texture similarity: Provides mouthfeel and bulk similar to sugar
No cooling effect: Unlike some other sugar alcohols, has minimal cooling sensation
Good flow properties: Easy to process in manufacturing
Synergy with high-intensity sweeteners: Often combined with other sweeteners to enhance sweetness

Health and Safety

Safety Assessment

Isomalt has been evaluated by various regulatory bodies:

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is "not specified," indicating no safety concerns at current consumption levels.

Nutritional Properties

Isomalt has several beneficial nutritional characteristics:

Caloric value: Provides approximately 2-2.4 calories per gram (compared to 4 for sugar)
Glycemic index: Very low glycemic index of 2 (compared to 65 for sugar)
Dental health: Non-cariogenic, does not promote tooth decay
Prebiotic potential: May have mild prebiotic effects in the large intestine

Safety Considerations

While generally recognized as safe, some considerations include:

Gastrointestinal effects: Consumption of large amounts (typically >25-30g) may cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea
Laxative effect: May have a laxative effect at high doses
Individual tolerance: Significant variation in individual tolerance levels
Adaptation: Some adaptation may occur with regular consumption

Regulatory Status

E953 (Isomalt) is approved for use in most countries worldwide:

European Union: Approved as E953 for use in many applications
United States: FDA approved as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)
Australia/New Zealand: Approved as food additive 953
Canada: Permitted as a food additive
Japan: Approved as a food additive

Most jurisdictions require foods containing more than 10% added polyols to carry a statement about potential laxative effects.

Consumer Information

Consumers may find isomalt on labels under various names:

E953
Isomalt
Palatinit (brand name)
Hydrogenated isomaltulose
"Sugar alcohol" (general category)

Products containing significant amounts of isomalt often carry warnings about potential laxative effects.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

Technical superiority in hard candy production
Excellent shelf stability and low hygroscopicity
Tooth-friendly properties
Low glycemic response
Good heat stability for baking applications

Limitations:

Lower sweetness than sugar (requires larger quantities or additional sweeteners)
Potential digestive discomfort when consumed in large amounts
Higher cost than sugar
Not suitable for applications requiring browning

Practical Applications

Isomalt is particularly valued in specific applications:

Hard candy production: Creates clear, non-sticky candies with excellent shelf life
Sugar-free confectionery: Provides bulk and texture without promoting tooth decay
Diabetic foods: Low glycemic impact makes it suitable for diabetic diets
Decorative sugar work: Used in culinary arts for sugar sculptures due to its stability
Pharmaceutical tablets: Used as a binding agent and sweetener

Alternatives to E953

For those looking to avoid isomalt, alternative sweeteners include:

Other sugar alcohols:
- Maltitol (E965) - sweeter but higher glycemic index
- Xylitol (E967) - sweeter but more expensive
- Erythritol (E968) - fewer digestive effects
- Sorbitol (E420) - more hygroscopic
Nutritive sweeteners:
- Sugar (for those without dietary restrictions)
- Honey, maple syrup
High-intensity sweeteners:
- Often need to be combined with bulking agents to replace sugar's volume

Conclusion

E953 (Isomalt) is a versatile sugar replacement with particularly valuable properties for confectionery and other applications where texture and stability are important. Its low glycemic impact and dental benefits make it useful for specific dietary needs. The low toxicity rating of 2 reflects its potential to cause digestive discomfort when consumed in large amounts rather than any significant toxicity concerns. For most consumers, isomalt represents a reasonable option for reducing sugar intake in certain product categories, though the potential for digestive effects at high consumption levels should be considered.