The Versatile Sweetener: Dextrose Monohydrate
Dextrose Monohydrate is a monosaccharide derived mainly from corn and is offered as a white, odorless crystalline powder. It is chemically identical to glucose—which is the body’s primary source of energy—with an additional water molecule attached. Dextrose is a simple sugar that is often used to replace sucrose, and is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. This sweetener’s versatility is demonstrated by its broad range of applications across multiple industries.
Dextrose has a simple structure that is quickly absorbed by the body, which leads to a rapid release of energy. In comparison, sucrose (table sugar) takes slightly longer to break down and consists of two molecules. The body must first break sucrose down into glucose and fructose before it can be absorbed. Because of this slower breakdown, products that contain sucrose provide a more gradual energy release.
While this versatile sweetener is ~20-30% less sweet than sucrose, dextrose monohydrate offers a similar amount of energy. It delivers a rapid burst of energy that can be beneficial for a variety of functional drinks and snacks. It is easily soluble in water and offers a balanced, refreshing taste. Because of its clean flavor and mild sweetness, dextrose is a versatile sweetener that mixes well with other ingredients. This gives formulators the advantage of bulking and preservative benefits without creating an overly sweet final product. Austrade offers Dextrose Monohydrate derived from both Organic and Non GMO corn with less than 9.5% moisture.
Dextrose Monohydrate’s Versatile Use Across Industries
Dextrose Monohydrate is the most commonly used and widely available form of glucose for both commercial and industrial applications. It is used to replenish nutrients and electrolytes in sports nutrition and pharmaceutical applications. Energy drinks and gels, oral rehydration salts (ORS) and IV solutions all benefit from the use of dextrose. It serves as a filler in some supplements and is even found in personal care products like toothpaste.
Dextrose is highly valued for its ability to improve overall flavor, color and gloss of candy coated products. In addition to its sweetening capabilities, dextrose contributes to a crisp outer shell and improves the texture of hard candy coatings. It‘s high heat of solution provides a mild cooling effect in chewing gum applications. Dextrose also extends the shelf-life of various baked goods and packaged foods. It provides a high heat Maillard browning effect to bread and pastries, and decreases the freezing point across ice cream applications.
As an anti-caking agent, dextrose prevents salt particles from clumping together and ensures even distribution in meat curing processes. It is 100% fermentable, making this product ideal for use in alcohol production. It also acts as a binder in the production of pelleted animal feed.
Whether you’re creating an entirely new product or reformulating an existing one, Austrade is here to help with your next project! Our expertise is backed by almost 30 years of clean label innovation. Our dedication to transparency and sustainability positions us as a trusted partner in the North American ingredient space.
Discover Austrade’s Organic & Non-GMO Dextrose Monohydrate today.