Title: Alternative Sweeteners

310 Mesters et al.
tose are the main decomposition products. At high pH lactitol is stable even at
105°C (Table 5).
When heated to temperatures of 179–240°C, lactitol is partly converted
into anhydrous derivatives (lactitan), sorbitol, and lower polyols.
VI. APPLICATIONS
Any application in which carbohydrates are used could be discussed because
lactitol could play a role. However, some general guidelines for specific application
areas are offered.
Lactitol is used in products for its bulking properties. Therefore on most
occasions a one-to-one replacement will be required. Because of the lower sweetness
of lactitol, most products contain a combination of lactitol and intense sweeteners.
A. Bakery Products
In this area there are many products in which sugar can be replaced. For a large
number of bakery products the crispiness of the product is important. Most bulk
sweeteners have the tendency to be hygroscopic, but if lactitol products are handled
like sucrose products, crispiness can be assured.
In the soft bakery products (e.g., cakes), we find that lactitol (being nonhygroscopic)
often benefits by a small addition of a humectant (e.g., sorbitol). This
gives a smooth, moist feel without affecting the good structure and texture obtained
by lactitol.
Next to sugar-free bakery products, products low in calories or with functional
claims, high fiber, are developed. In these products lactitol is a suitable bulk
sweetener. In low-calorie products, lactitol is often combined with polydextrose,
which is an optimal combination to reduce the calorie content and maintain a
high-quality product. High-fiber products claim to have a positive effect on the
colon. Because of the beneficial effects that lactitol has on the colon, it will be
a suitable sweetener in such products.
B. Chewing Gum
Sugar-free chewing gum is becoming very popular. The advantage of the sugarfree
chewing gum is the tooth-friendliness. Lactitol, like all other polyolsis toothfriendly
and suitable for use in chewing gum. Lactitol can be used as a sweetener
in the gum base, as rolling compound/dusting powder, and in the panning layer.