Mannitol (E421)

Mannitol

Mannitol is a hexitol sugar alcohol naturally present in fruits and vegetables, produced commercially by fructose/glucose hydrogenation with very low hygroscopicity. In the food industry, it provides intense cooling sensation for mint confections, exceptional moisture stability in low-water-activity products, and controlled crystallization for crisp textures without stickiness or caking.

Food Industry Applications

• Chewing gum, mints: Delivers powerful cooling burst and sweetness during chewing while remaining completely non-cariogenic and fermentation-resistant.

• Hard candies: Provides clean crunch without moisture absorption, maintaining powder flow and preventing stickiness in breath mints and tablets.

• Chocolate centers: Forms stable, crystalline active centers that resist melting while releasing cooling sensation upon dissolution.

• Baked decorations: Controls precise crystallization in royal icing and piped decorations for sharp definition that holds shape without weeping.

• Low-moisture confections: Maintains free-flowing powder characteristics in sugar-free mints and compressed tablets during humid storage.

Other Industry Applications

In the cosmetics industry, prevents caking in face powders; in the personal care industry, provides cooling sensation in lotions; in the construction industry, plasticizes concrete for improved workability.