Polyglycitol Syrup
E964
E964, INS 964, polyglycitol syrup, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, hydrogenated glucose syrup, polyglucitol
What it is
Polyglycitol syrup is a mixture of hydrogenated carbohydrates made from starch hydrolysates. It consists mainly of maltitol and sorbitol, with smaller amounts of other hydrogenated carbohydrates, and is used to provide sweetness, bulk and texture.
Why BOTIA flags it
Polyglycitol syrup is a mixture of hydrogenated carbohydrates that replaces both the sweetness and the bulk of sugar. It appears on labels under at least four names — hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, hydrogenated glucose syrup or polyglucitol — so you may be reading it without recognising it. Like other polyols, the fraction that is not absorbed draws water into the gut and is fermented.
BOTIA CAN
- Recognise polyglycitol syrup even when the label says hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, hydrogenated glucose syrup or polyglucitol.
- Explain that it replaces both sweetness and bulk and that the unabsorbed fraction can draw water into the gut and be fermented.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Determine how much is present or the exact proportions of maltitol, sorbitol and other components from the ingredient list alone.
- Predict an individual's digestive response from the ingredient name alone.