Zerose® erythritol
Zerose® erythritol is Cargill's branded erythritol product — a zero-calorie sugar alcohol with 70% of sucrose's sweetness and no glycemic impact — for use in sugar-reduction formulations across beverages, confectionery, bakery, and tabletop sweeteners.
Overview
Erythritol is a four-carbon polyol produced via fermentation of glucose. It is unique among sugar alcohols in that it is almost completely absorbed in the small intestine and excreted unchanged in urine — meaning it provides virtually zero calories and none of the gastrointestinal side effects (bloating, laxation) associated with other polyols like sorbitol and maltitol. It provides 70% of sucrose sweetness and is commonly combined with high-intensity sweeteners (stevia, monk fruit) to provide bulk and mask aftertaste.
Technical specifications
- Production: fermentation of glucose
- Sweetness: approximately 70% of sucrose
- Calories: 0-0.2 kcal/g (virtually zero)
- Glycemic index: zero
- GI tolerance: excellent — no laxation at normal use levels (unlike sorbitol, maltitol)
- Cooling effect: mild
- Applications: beverages, confectionery, bakery, tabletop sweeteners, protein bars
- Common pairings: stevia (EverSweet), monk fruit, allulose for full sugar-replacement systems
Technology readiness level
TRL 9 — commercially produced fermentation-derived polyol.
About Cargill
Cargill is a global leader in agricultural, food, and industrial products, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation in bio-based solutions.
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