Lactitol

Lactitol (CAS 585-86-4), also known commercially as Importal and classified as E966, is a sugar alcohol derived from lactose used primarily as a reduced-calorie bulk sweetener.

It serves as a humectant across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care markets. Its low glycemic response and prebiotic activity make it a functional ingredient beyond simple sweetening applications.

In food manufacturing, it replaces sucrose in sugar-free confectionery, baked goods, and chocolate. It delivers comparable bulk and texture at roughly half the caloric value of traditional sugar.

Pharmaceutical formulators use it as an excipient in tablet manufacturing and as an active osmotic laxative ingredient. It is commonly found in oral powder and syrup preparations for patients.

Personal care manufacturers incorporate it into skincare and oral care formulations for its humectant properties. This helps retain moisture in various creams, lotions, and toothpastes.

It also functions as a prebiotic in functional food and dietary supplement products targeting gut health. The material is supplied as a white crystalline powder and in monohydrate form.

The monohydrate is the most commercially prevalent version. Standard grades include food-grade material and pharmaceutical-grade material compliant with Ph. Eur. and USP monographs.

Bulk supply is available in multi-kilogram bags through to pallet quantities depending on application requirements. This ensures consistent availability for large-scale industrial manufacturing needs.