CAS Registry Number: [90-80-2]

Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₀O₆

E-Number: E575

Glucono-delta-Lactone or GDL is a neutral cyclic ester of gluconic acid, produced with the acid by fermentation of glucose. It is separated from the acid by crystallisation.

GDL is a fine, white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water. It is practically odourless and has a slightly sweet taste. Non toxic, it is completely metabolised in the body like a carbohydrate.

When added into an aqueous solution, GDL rapidly dissolves, and subsequently slowly hydrolyses to gluconic acid, thus producing a gentle acidification in the same way as lactic acid-producing bacteria. In solution both gluconic acid and GDL are always in balance. The equivalent point and the rate of transformation are related to concentration, temperature and pH-value.

Through its slow hydrolysis to gluconic acid, it ensures a progressive and continuous decrease of pH to equilibrium. So it is used as a slow release acidifier. During its hydrolysis, the initial sweet taste of GDL becomes only slightly acidic, making the final flavour of an aqueous solution of GDL much less tart than the one of other acidifiers.

Specifications & Package

Glucono-delta-lactone is supplied in accordance with the latest requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) and of Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

GDL is available as Pharma grade, food grade and Personal Care grade.

We can offer a granular and powder material. Special granulations are available upon request.

Glucono-delta-lactone is available in 25 kg net polyethylene (LDPE) bags or in 1000 kg net polypropylene big bags.

Consumer package of 1kg bags are available upon request. We can customize package and marks according to customer requirements

Applications & Main functions

• Controlled release acidulant
• Leavening agent
• Chelating agent
• Mild acidulant
• Preservative agent enhancer
• Curing accelerator

In Europe, GDL is listed as a generally permitted food additive (E575) and may be added to all foodstuffs, following the "quantum satis" principle, as long as no special regulation restricts the use. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigned GDL the “generally recognised as safe” (GRAS) status and permitted its use in food as curing or pickling agent, leavening agent, sequestrant, or pH control agent without limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.

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