Product Overview

D-Mannitol (E421, CAS 69-65-8) is a six-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol) and a naturally occurring isomer of sorbitol. It is found naturally in seaweed, olives and certain mushrooms, and is commercially produced by catalytic hydrogenation of fructose or glucose-fructose syrup.

D-Mannitol delivers approximately 50–65% of the sweetness of sucrose, with a clean, mild sweet taste and a noticeable cooling sensation in the mouth due to its negative heat of solution. It provides only about 1.6 kcal/g — roughly 40% of sucrose’s caloric value — and produces minimal blood glucose and insulin response (GI ≤2), making it suitable for diabetic-friendly and reduced-calorie products.

What distinguishes D-Mannitol from other sugar alcohols is its extremely low hygroscopicity. Among the six-carbon polyols, mannitol is the only one that barely absorbs moisture from the air. Combined with its excellent anti-caking and anti-sticking (release) properties, this makes it the preferred excipient for compressed tablets, lozenges and chewing gum — where dryness, free-flowing behavior and punch release are critical.

Key Product Characteristics

1.Low calorie & low glycemic: Only ~1.6 kcal/g (EU), GI ≤2; suitable for reduced-calorie, diabetic and low-carb formulations

2.Non-cariogenic: Not fermented by oral bacteria; does not produce acid or contribute to dental caries — ideal for chewing gum and breath mints

3.Extremely low hygroscopicity: The only six-carbon polyol that resists moisture absorption; keeps products dry, free-flowing and stable in humid conditions

4.Anti-caking & release property: Excellent anti-sticking and lubricant effect in tablet pressing; prevents material from adhering to punches and dies

5.Cooling taste sensation: Negative heat of solution produces a fresh, cooling mouthfeel — a natural fit for mint, throat lozenges and oral care products

6.Clean, mild sweetness: ~50–65% sweetness of sucrose; no bitter aftertaste; blends well with high-intensity sweeteners

7.Good crystal form & flow properties: Available in crystalline and granular grades; granular grade designed for direct compression tablet manufacturing

8.Regulatory approved: E421 in EU; FDA GRAS (21 CFR 180.25); FCC / USP / EP / BP / GB compliance; food and pharmaceutical grades available

Main Functions

1. Low-Calorie Bulk Sweetening Delivers ~50–65% of sucrose sweetness at only 1.6 kcal/g, serving as a bulk sugar substitute in sugar-free and reduced-calorie products. Often combined with high-intensity sweeteners (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame K) to reach target sweetness while maintaining volume and texture.

2. Non-Cariogenic Oral Sweetening Not fermented by oral bacteria and does not lower plaque pH — does not cause tooth decay. This makes it a standard ingredient in sugar-free chewing gum, breath mints, throat lozenges and oral care confectionery.

3. Anti-Caking & Release Agent (Tablet Pressing) Mannitol’s low hygroscopicity and anti-sticking (lubricant/release) property make it the preferred filler-binder for direct-compression tablets. It prevents powder from sticking to punches and dies, improves tablet surface quality and ensures consistent weight and hardness.

4. Cooling Sensation & Mouthfeel Its negative heat of solution produces a distinct, refreshing cooling effect when dissolving in the mouth. This is highly valued in mint candies, throat lozenges, breath strips and toothpaste where a cool, clean sensation is desired.

5. Low Glycemic & Diabetic Nutrition Absorbed slowly and incompletely in the intestine (only ~25–50% absorbed), metabolized via pathways that largely bypass insulin-dependent glucose metabolism. Produces negligible postprandial glucose and insulin spikes, suitable for diabetic nutrition and medical food formulations.

6. Cryoprotectant & Freezing Point Control As a polyol, mannitol lowers the freezing point of aqueous systems and acts as a cryoprotectant in frozen desserts, ice cream and lyophilized (freeze-dried) food and pharmaceutical products.

Application Scope

Compressed Tablets & Lozenges Direct-compression excipient for chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, throat lozenges, vitamin tablets, antacid tablets and candy tablets. The primary application driven by mannitol’s anti-sticking and low-hygroscopicity advantage.

Chewing Gum & Confectionery Sugar-free chewing gum, hard candy, soft candy, marshmallows, fondant and chocolate. Used for its non-cariogenic property, cooling taste and stable crystal form.

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Tablet excipients (filler-binder), lyophilized powder cakes, IV infusion mannitol solutions, antacid suspensions and oral rehydration formulations.

Beverages & Dairy Low-calorie drink mixes, flavored water, sugar-free yogurt and frozen desserts. Blended with high-intensity sweeteners for calorie reduction.

Oral Care & Personal Care Toothpaste, mouthwash, breath strips and dental care products — leveraging the non-cariogenic and cooling properties.

Other Applications Dietary supplements, nutritional bars, animal feed palatability, and industrial uses including cryoprotectant in biotechnology and lyophilization processes.