Cerelose Dextrose in Food Production: Sweetness, Browning, and Fermentation

Dextrose is a stereoisomer (mirror image) of naturally occurring right-handed glucose. In fact, the moniker dextrose is a portmanteau of dextrorotatory glucose. This important building block is responsible for energizing biochemical reactions throughout nature. Food ingredient supplier Bell Chem stocks Cerelose dextrose to stimulate sweet flavors, browning, and fermentation of foods and beverages. 

Fermentation

The mechanical dissolution of grains by enzymes occurring in beer production exudes by-products of carbon dioxide, alcohol, and the compounds responsible for the aroma and flavor of beer. Dextrose is the food source for the yeast responsible for producing these enzymes and is generally consumed in total. Therefore, the yeast are able to enhance the beer qualities enjoyed by consumers by completely utilizing the dextrose.

Cerelose dextrose is also beneficial in bottle conditioning. After fermentation, a precise amount of dextrose and yeast are added to the bottle before it is sealed. Bottle conditioning creates smaller effervescent bubbles and better foam retention to the finished product. 

The same reactions occur in baked goods when Cerelose dextrose is the food source for yeast as it rises prior to baking: better effervescent qualities, which creates fluffier, spongier baked goods. 

Browning

When a small amount of Cerelose dextrose is added to baked goods, such as breads, fried potato or corn chips, or pastries, it browns the exterior layer evenly, giving a slightly chewy texture surrounding a soft interior. 

Sweetness

Cerelose dextrose is traditionally categorized as a sweetener, and it has the unique ability to mask or negate salty and overly spicy flavors. The sweetness profile is referred to as “mild” (approximately 70% of the sweetness of sucrose), which means it does not overpower the other flavors in a product.

Other Uses of Cerelose Dextrose

When added to foods or beverages, Cerelose dextrose also acts as an energy booster, ingredient filler, texturizer, and preservative. The body’s main objective is energy formation, and Cerelose dextrose is easily broken down to stimulate cells to produce a quick burst of energy. Its high glycemic index is indicative of an ingredient that floods the blood with an easy-to-use source of energy. 

As a preservative, Cerelose dextrose prevents the formation of mold by acting as a humectant, pulling water away from the other ingredients. With less water, mold and other unwanted organisms are less likely to thrive and the shelf life of products is greatly lengthened. 

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 Cerelose 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.