E1200 – Polydextroses
SweetenerDescription
Synthetic polymer of glucose
Notes
Polydextrose is a synthetic dietary fiber made by combining glucose (a simple sugar) with small amounts of citric acid and sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) under high heat. During this process, the glucose molecules link together randomly to form long, branched chains that our digestive system can't easily break down. Think of it as taking regular sugar and rearranging it chemically so it behaves more like fiber than sugar. The result is a white, odorless powder that dissolves in water but provides very few calories. In foods, polydextrose serves multiple functions: it adds bulk and texture to low-calorie products, works as a prebiotic fiber to support digestive health, and helps replace the volume that's lost when sugar or fat is removed from foods. You'll commonly find it in sugar-free candies, diet foods, low-calorie baked goods, and fiber-enriched products like nutrition bars and beverages. It provides the satisfying mouthfeel and bulk that these products would otherwise lack. Although it's made from natural glucose, polydextrose is considered a synthetic ingredient because of how it's manufactured. It's suitable for vegetarians and vegans since no animal products are involved in its production. Most people tolerate it well, but like other high-fiber ingredients, consuming large amounts (typically over 15 grams per day) may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals. It's approved for use in foods worldwide and is recognized as safe by food regulatory agencies.