Zerose® erythritol

Overview

Erythritol is a four-carbon polyol produced via fermentation of glucose. It is unique among sugar alcohols in that it is almost completely absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in urine — meaning it provides virtually zero calories and none of the gastrointestinal side effects (bloating, laxation) associated with other polyols like sorbitol and maltitol. It provides 70% of sucrose sweetness and is commonly combined with high-intensity sweeteners (stevia, monk fruit) to provide bulk and mask aftertaste.

Technical specifications

• Production: fermentation of glucose
• Sweetness: approximately 70% of sucrose
• Calories: 0-0.2 kcal/g (virtually zero)
• Glycemic index: zero
• GI tolerance: excellent — no laxation at normal use levels (unlike sorbitol, maltitol)
• Cooling effect: mild
• Applications: beverages, confectionery, bakery, tabletop sweeteners, protein bars
• Common pairings: stevia (EverSweet), monk fruit, allulose for full sugar-replacement systems

Technology readiness level

TRL 9 — commercially produced fermentation-derived polyol.