D-tagatose

D-Tagatose (CAS 87-81-0), also approved as E963, is a low-calorie monosaccharide sweetener derived from lactose that delivers approximately 92% of sucrose's sweetness with a significantly reduced glycemic impact.

Where is D-tagatose used?

• Food: bulk sweetener and humectant in reduced-calorie and diabetic-friendly confectionery and dairy
• Baked goods: browning behavior and mouthfeel comparable to sugar
• Functional food and nutrition: prebiotic activity for gut health claims
• Pharmaceutical: low-glycemic excipient in oral dosage forms, chewable tablets and nutraceutical preparations
• Personal care: humectant and stabilizer in topical creams and oral care products
• It functions as both a bulk sweetener and humectant across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations.
• Used in beverages.

Good to know: Food-grade material conforming to FCC and E963 specifications is the standard commercial form for food and supplement applications; pharmaceutical-grade material is available for buyers requiring tighter purity thresholds aligned with nutraceutical or oral dosage form manufacturing standards.

Formulation notes

• Adding 1% D-tagatose to low-energy drinks produces a better taste, masks bad flavors, reduces bitterness and harmonizes sweetness.
• Not suitable for individuals with hereditary fructose intolerance, which is relevant for labeling and consumer communication.

Typical specification

• Purity of minimum 99.0% by HPLC.
• Caloric value generally set to 1.5 kcal/g.
• Melts in the range 133.0 to 137.0 degrees.
• Specific rotation of -4.0 to -5.6 degrees in 1% aqueous solution.

Regulatory status

• In the European Union, D-tagatose is approved as a novel food.
• In 2001, the FDA granted D-tagatose GRAS status.
• EFSA has validated that D-tagatose at doses up to 7.5 g/day selectively stimulates the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Caramelizes at elevated temperature.

Frequently asked questions about D-tagatose

What are the typical heavy metal and microbial limits for D-tagatose?

Total heavy metals are maximum 10 ug/g, and total aerobic microbial count is maximum 1000 CFU/g.

What is the physical form of D-tagatose as supplied?

D-tagatose is supplied as white or almost white crystals.

How does D-tagatose behave in meat and processed products?

In meat and processed products such as marinades and sausages, D-tagatose's participation in the Maillard reaction improves color and flavor, offering more natural alternatives to artificial caramelization. D-tagatose cannot be used by spoilage lactic acid bacteria and pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus, so it can prevent microbial contamination in meat products.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.