Understanding the Uses of Dextrose in Food Production
For quick energy, manufacturers turn to dextrose, a monosaccharide often found in performance bars and energy beverages. Dextrose can be derived from many plants, but is primarily pulled from grains, and most specifically corn starch where it is abundant. Once it is dried and/or crystallized, it is generally sold as a powder of liquid. Learn more about dextrose’s many uses in food production and order yours from your food ingredient supplier, Bell Chem, today.
Blood sugar and dextrose
With a glycemic index of 100, dextrose rapidly increases blood sugar levels and, because it is a type of glucose produced outside the body, it can be utilized to produce ATP, the most abundant form of energy within the body’s cells. In the liver glucose is regularly produced when hormones determine levels of blood sugar have dropped. Being chemically identical to glucose, dextrose fills that role when the liver is unable to do so. This rapid blood sugar boost stimulates muscles in short bursts, giving sprinters and power lifters the quick energy necessary to perform. Dextrose is also a go-to ingredient in energy gels, which are popular in endurance running, cycling, or training.
High energy, low sweetening
Most consumers believe sugar has an extremely sweet flavor, but dextrose has a naturally low level of sweetness, giving it a starring role in protein shakes, power bars, desserts, and baked products.
The preservative power of dextrose
Along with its quick energy boost, dextrose has another use: it extends the shelf-life of packaged foods, such as jams and jellies, by deterring the growth of yeast, mold, bacteria, and other microbes.
When added to candy, ice cream, and syrup, dextrose impedes crystallization and caking. Producers appreciate this reaction since foods last longer on the shelf in stores and in consumers’ homes. Consumers enjoy the mouthfeel of products containing dextrose since it imparts the same texture and taste with every bite.
The invisible sugar
When added to water, dextrose quickly and evenly dissolves, becoming virtually invisible due to its low turbidity while only imparting a hint of sugary taste. Savory foods often have a high salt content, and dextrose balances the salt with a hint of sweet.
Bell Chem is a food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including dextrose. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.