Dextrose in the Food Industry
Most of the dextrose commonly manufactured today is hydrolyzed from corn and wheat starches, or the cellulose of woody plants. These high-energy products are refined into the dextrose we recognize in thousands of food and beverage brands worldwide. Your food ingredient supplier, Bell Chem, highlights some of dextrose’s major roles in the food industry.
The main role of dextrose is to provide energy to the body’s cells. In this respect, it is added to nutritional supplements and infant formulas to stimulate the metabolic process of cells. Many supplements that address the body’s peak energy demands contain dextrose to provide an almost immediate burst of energy.
Though dextrose is a sweetener, it adds a flavor other than sweet to products. Dextrose provides a cool, fruity flavor to confectionary goods. It is often noted that a food’s aroma is enhanced by dextrose as well.
Yeast utilizes dextrose for their metabolic functions, so adding dextrose to bakery products will increase yeast activity in a shorter amount of time; hence, breads rise higher and doughnuts are fluffier. In the beer and wine industry, dextrose’s ability to feed yeast accelerates the rate of fermentation.
Dextrose has an increased osmotic pressure compared to other sweeteners, which lengthens the shelf life of products when it is an ingredient.
Processed meats are often cured with nitrate and salt. These products are not always evenly distributed, leaving areas of pungent, overly salty meat. Adding dextrose diffuses the salt more evenly and improves the overall quality of flavor and color.
Over-the-counter dextrose tablets or gel supplements given to diabetic patients quickly compensate for low blood sugar levels. Intravenous drips are frequently dextrose-based to sustain normal body functions while patients are unable to ingest food or their health situations prevent them from eating.
Bell Chem is a food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products such as dextrose stocked in its 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. 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.