Clean Label Confectionery: Lecithin + Dextrose
The demand for clean label, plant-based confectionery is growing.
Ingredient transparency, sustainability and innovation are driving consumer purchasing decisions, causing manufacturers to reevaluate their formulations—starting with the essentials. Product claims like Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Allergen-Free and Vegan are now highly sought-after by consumers. And one thing is clear: clean label confectionery is no longer a specialized category. It’s the future.
Moreover, the confectionery industry is just one of many facing pressure to reformulate classic treats without sacrificing flavor, texture, or performance. For brands aligned with the clean label movement, two standout ingredients are making waves in confectionery production.
- Organic & Non-GMO Lecithin (sourced from sunflower or rapeseed)
- Organic & Non-GMO Dextrose Monohydrate (sourced from 100% corn)
Let’s explore why clean label, plant-based lecithin and dextrose are each becoming essential for modern confectionery formulations.
Lecithin: A Cleaner, Greener Emulsifier
It’s no secret that plant-based, clean label lecithin is one of the multifunctional ingredients leading the clean label movement. Lecithin is an essential emulsifier that helps bind ingredients, enhance processing, improve mouthfeel and extend shelf life.
Traditionally speaking, soy lecithin has dominated the confectionery market as the emulsifier of choice. Growing concerns around genetically modified organisms (GMOs), allergens and pesticides have pushed brands to explore cleaner alternatives.
Favored formats are plant based, expeller-pressed, Non-GMO and/or Certified Organic. Austrade’s lecithin is sustainably produced from European-sourced sunflower and rapeseed plants. Our options provide valuable functionality across a wide range of Confectionery applications.
From chewy caramels to smooth chocolate coatings and premium truffles, lecithin plays a critical role in the following ways:
- Plant-based emulsifier for better ingredient dispersion (i.e. blends water & fat)
- Allergen-free alternative to soy lecithin
- Improves texture and mouthfeel in chocolate, caramel, and nougat applications by reducing viscosity
- Enhances shelf life through fat stabilization
- Reduces viscosity aids with flow and machinability
- Anti-sticking agent that prevents stickiness in products like caramels and gummies
- Clean label friendly without any allergens or pesticides
Dextrose: Single Ingredient Sweetness Derived from Non-GMO Corn
Dextrose Monohydrate is a monosaccharide derived mainly from corn and offered as a white, odorless crystalline powder. It is chemically identical to glucose—the simplest form of natural sugar found in food like fruit.
A rising star in the sweetener category, dextrose supports various applications and brings more than just sweetness to the table. It dissolves quickly, blends well with other ingredients and delivers a burst of energy with ~20-30% less sweetness than sucrose.
Target applications range from energy chews, gummies, and performance products to plant based marshmallows, nougat and premium truffles. The possibilities are truly boundless when it comes to dextrose in confection!
Available as an Organic or Non-GMO option, Austrade’s Dextrose Monohydrate offers valuable functionality in the following ways:
- Plant-based sweetener with lower relative sweetness than sucrose (Austrade’s Dextrose is a naturally occurring simple sugar produced from 100% corn)
- Crystallization control which is crucial for preventing unwanted graininess in hard candies and fondants
- Humectant properties that help to retain moisture, which may help preserve texture and shelf-life
- Consistent freeze-point depression aids in stabilizing temperature for frozen confections
- Maillard reaction contributes flavor and browning color development in caramel products and baked confections.
Lecithin + Dextrose: A Powerful Duo for Clean Label Confectionery
Combining lecithin and dextrose allows brands to replace artificial emulsifiers, sweeteners, and stabilizers while maintaining—or improving—product outcomes.
When used together in clean label confectionery applications, lecithin and dextrose monohydrate work synergistically. They improve product texture, stability, mouthfeel and overall performance.
Whether you’re crafting creamy caramels, functional gummies or vegan chocolate, this ingredient duo offers a path to simpler product labels.
Partner With Austrade Inc. for Your Next Innovation
As the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, our team of ingredient experts are ready to help you leverage the full power of Austrade’s Organic & Non-GMO Lecithin.
With almost 30 years of expertise in the North American market, Austrade delivers innovative solutions with Organic and Non-GMO ingredients. Our products are predominantly sourced from Europe—backed by full traceability and a strong supply chain.
From consulting to sourcing, Austrade Inc has supported various food and beverage brands from concept to full-scale launch. Our partnership ensures your products deliver accurate clean label product claims and full functionality that today’s consumers expect.
Connect with us today to learn more about our capabilities and explore future partnership opportunities.