Food & beverage
Sweetener and humectant in confectionery and bakery.
Ingredients / Sweeteners & polyols / Sorbitol
Sweeteners & polyols
Sorbitol (E 420(i))
Sorbitol for U.S. manufacturers, from vetted producers. FCC / USP grade on request. Download the sample spec sheet, then send us your grade and quantity.
TRACED · CERTIFIED · RELIABLE · TRANSPARENT · TESTED
Key facts
| CAS No. | 50-70-4 |
|---|---|
| E-number (EU) | E 420(i) |
| Synonyms | D-glucitol, D-sorbitol |
| Chemical formula | C6H14O6 |
| Molecular weight | 182,2 |
| Description | White hygroscopic powder, crystalline powder, flakes or granules. |
| Solubility | Very soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 420(i)) sample spec · FCC / USP available on request for U.S. food/pharma use |
| Origin | Confirmed in every offer; stated per lot on the COA |
| Storage, shelf life, packaging | Per the producer's specification, on request |
What sorbitol is
Sorbitol is obtained by hydrogenation of D-glucose. It is mainly composed of D-sorbitol. Formula C6H14O6, molecular weight 182,2. White hygroscopic powder, crystalline powder, flakes or granules. Very soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 420(i).)
Applications by industry
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 420(i)), consolidated text of 18.08.2026. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the COA for your lot are available on request.
| Assay | Content not less than 97 % of total glycitols and not less than 91 % of D-sorbitol on dry weight basis (glycitols are compounds with the structural formula CH2OH-(CHOH)n-CH2OH, where ‘n’ is an integer). |
|---|---|
| Water content | Not more than 1,5 % (Karl Fischer Method) |
| Conductivity | Not more than 20 μS/cm (on 20 % dry solids solution) at temperature 20 °C |
| Reducing sugars | Not more than 0,3 % (expressed as glucose on dry weight basis) |
| Total sugars | Not more than 1 % (expressed as glucose on dry weight basis) |
| Nickel | Not more than 2 mg/kg (expressed on dry weight basis) |
| Arsenic | Not more than 3 mg/kg (expressed on dry weight basis) |
| Lead | Not more than 1 mg/kg (expressed on dry weight basis) |
Download the full spec sheet (PDF)
Documents and sourcing
Droplet promise. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Data sheet, SDS and COA on request. Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot.
Questions buyers ask
What is sorbitol used for?
Typical uses by industry. Food & beverage: Sweetener and humectant in confectionery and bakery. Suitability for your product and market is confirmed with the producer's specification.
Which grades can McBoeck supply?
Food grade to EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 420(i)). FCC / USP grade is available on request for U.S. food and pharma use. Particle size and other grade details follow the producer's specification, on request.
Which documents come with sorbitol?
Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request.
What does the sample spec sheet show?
Limits for assay, water content, conductivity, reducing sugars, total sugars, nickel, arsenic and lead, taken from EU Regulation 231/2012. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the lot COA are available on request.
How do I get a quote?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location through the quote form or at [email protected]. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
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Need sorbitol?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.