Cargill sorbitol and polyol sweeteners

Overview

Sorbitol is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of glucose from Cargill's corn wet milling process. As a polyol, it provides approximately 60% of sucrose sweetness at 2.6 kcal/g (vs. 4.0 kcal/g for sugar) with a pleasant cooling effect. Sorbitol is non-cariogenic (does not promote tooth decay), making it a preferred sweetener for sugar-free confectionery and oral care products. It also serves as a humectant maintaining moisture in baked goods and a plasticizer in pharmaceutical coatings.

Technical specifications

• Product: sorbitol (liquid and crystalline) and other polyols
• Production: catalytic hydrogenation of glucose from corn wet milling
• Sweetness: approximately 60% of sucrose
• Calories: 2.6 kcal/g (vs. 4.0 for sugar)
• Properties: non-cariogenic, humectant, cooling effect, crystallization control
• Applications: sugar-free confectionery, chewing gum, oral care, bakery (moisture retention), pharmaceuticals

Technology readiness level

TRL 9 — established polyol production from Cargill's integrated corn processing.