Table of Contents
What’s L-Arabinose Powder?
L-Arabinose occupies a unique position in the functional sweetener category because it does not merely replace sweetness — it acts on sucrose itself. Unlike high-intensity sweeteners that deliver sweetness without calories, or sugar alcohols that replace bulk but carry digestive tolerance constraints, L-Arabinose targets the enzymatic step that converts sucrose into absorbable glucose and fructose. It acts as a competitive inhibitor of intestinal sucrase (alpha-glucosidase).
ORGANICWAY’s L-Arabinose is extracted from non-GMO corn cobs through a clean process using only water and food-grade ethanol. No hexane or synthetic solvents are used. The finished powder achieves >=98% purity with <=0.5% moisture, dissolves readily in water at >=98%, and remains thermally stable up to 160 C — well above typical baking temperatures. At 1.5 kcal/g, it delivers a meaningful caloric reduction compared to sucrose’s 4 kcal/g while functioning as a prebiotic fiber once it reaches the colon. The undigested sucrose-arabinose complex is selectively fermented by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, producing short-chain fatty acids including acetate, propionate, and butyrate
With GRAS-reviewed safety, and approved use in Japan as a FOSHU ingredient, L-Arabinose represents a clean-label, science-backed solution for formulators seeking to address the growing consumer demand for sugar-reduction ingredients.
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white fine crystalline powder |
| Source | Corn cobs, beet fiber, or arabic gum |
| Processing | Water and food-grade ethanol extraction; no hexane |
| L-Arabinose Purity | >=98.0% |
| Moisture | <=0.5% |
| Solubility in Water | >=98% |
| Bulk Density | 0.50-0.70 g/mL |
| Particle Size | 80-100 mesh (customizable) |
| Heat Stability | Stable up to 160 C |
| CAS No. | 5328-37-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C5H10O5 |
| Sweetness | Near-neutral; mild sweet taste |
| Caloric Value | ~1.5 kcal/g |
| Glycemic Index | Near-zero impact on blood glucose |
| Packaging | 25 kg multi-layer kraft paper bags |
| Shelf Life | 24 months |
Application Matrix
| Application | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-reduction bakery and snacks | Excellent | Sucrose reduction up to 70% |
| Functional beverages | Excellent | Clean-label sweetness; suits prebiotic/gut-health product lines |
| Dietary supplements | Excellent | Sugar-controlled and reduced-calorie formulas |
| Confectionery | Good | Reduced calories; prebiotic fiber classification |
| Pharmaceutical / metabolic health | Good | Suitable for sugar-controlled and reduced-calorie formulations |
MICROBIOLOGICAL & CONTAMINANT STANDARDS
| Test | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | <=1,000 cfu/g |
| Yeast & Mold | <=100 cfu/g |
| E. coli | Negative |
| Salmonella | Negative |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | <0.5 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | <0.5 mg/kg |
All batches tested and released against specifications. CofA available with every shipment.
CERTIFICATIONS
| Certification | Status |
|---|---|
| Non-GMO Project Verified | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
| Allergen-Free | Yes |
APPLICATIONS & FORMULATION TIPS
Key Functional Benefits
L-Arabinose’s three most significant functional advantages are sucrose inhibition, near-zero glycemic impact, and prebiotic fiber classification. The sucrose inhibition mechanism — competitive binding to intestinal sucrase — is the primary differentiator: at 3-5 g per meal, published research focuses on its sucrase-inhibitory activity. Unlike alpha-glucosidase inhibitors such as acarbose or miglitol, which inhibit a broad panel of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and carry significant gastrointestinal side effects, L-Arabinose is selective for sucrase only, leaving starch and maltose digestion largely intact. The near-zero glycemic impact — confirmed by clinical AUC measurements — makes it suitable for diabetic and blood-sugar-management formulations without the digestive burden of high-dose fiber supplements. The prebiotic classification — undigested sucrose-arabinose reaching the colon — is based on selective fermentation by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, which produce SCFAs.
Formulation Guidance
When incorporating L-Arabinose into formulations, note that its near-neutral sweetness (~10% of sucrose) means it functions best as a sucrose reduction agent rather than a direct sweetener replacement. In practice, it is typically combined with stevia, allulose, or monk fruit to achieve target sweetness while reducing total sucrose content by 30-70%. The >=98% water solubility and neutral flavor profile make it easy to incorporate into both hot and cold beverage systems. The 160 C thermal stability exceeds typical baking temperatures, preserving sucrase-inhibitory activity in cookies, cakes, and bread. In beverages, its prebiotic fiber component contributes to dietary fiber labeling while maintaining clarity in acidic drinks (stable at pH 2.5+). To preserve prebiotic fiber functionality, formulations should avoid excessive heat processing after L-Arabinose addition.
FAQ
Q: Is L-Arabinose safe for long-term daily use?
A: Yes. L-Arabinose holds GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status per FDA review, and has been approved as a FOSHU (Food for Specified Health Uses) ingredient in Japan. Clinical studies demonstrate safety at daily intakes of 15 g (distributed as 3-5 g per meal). At very high doses exceeding 20 g/day, some individuals may experience mild flatulence due to colonic fermentation — a normal response shared with other prebiotic fibers. No serious adverse events have been reported in human trials up to 12 months.
Q: How does L-Arabinose compare to artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame?
A: Unlike high-intensity sweeteners that provide sweetness without calories, L-Arabinose functions as a sucrose-reduction and prebiotic-fiber ingredient. It can be combined with stevia or allulose for formulations seeking both sweetness reduction and blood sugar management. Unlike sugar alcohols, it does not carry significant digestive tolerance constraints at typical use levels.
Q: Can L-Arabinose be used in baked goods without losing efficacy?
A: Yes. L-Arabinose is thermally stable up to 160 C, within the typical baking temperature range of 150-220 C. It maintains sucrase-inhibitory activity during baking and is suitable for cookies, cakes, and bread formulations. In Maillard browning reactions, L-Arabinose’s aldehyde form may contribute mild sweetness and slightly enhance crust color development. To preserve prebiotic fiber functionality, addition at the end of the production process is recommended to minimize thermal exposure.
Q: Is L-Arabinose suitable for a ketogenic diet?
A: Yes. With near-zero impact on blood glucose and only 1.5 kcal/g, L-Arabinose is compatible with ketogenic principles. For strict keto formulations targeting net carb counts, L-Arabinose can be counted as dietary fiber or deducted from total carbohydrates in most regulatory jurisdictions. Regulatory classification varies by market; confirm with local requirements.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity and lead time?
A: 1 kg free sample with full CofA is available for qualifying buyers (FEDEX/UPS/EMS). Commercial orders start at 25 kg (packaged in 25 kg multi-layer kraft paper bags). Private label orders require 100 kg minimum with full packaging customization. Lead time: 10-20 working days from order confirmation. Available incoterms: DAP, DDP, FOB Qingdao or Tianjin. Acceptable payment terms: T/T, L/C, D/P, D/A, MoneyGram, Western Union, Credit Card.
PACKAGING & STORAGE
Packaging
| Format | Standard Packaging | Custom Options |
|---|---|---|
| L-Arabinose Powder | 25 kg multi-layer kraft paper bags; 40 bags/pallet | 5 / 10 / 20 kg bags; fiber drums; IBC super sacks; branded packaging for private label |
Storage Conditions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Cool and dry; ambient temperature below 25 C |
| Humidity | <60% RH |
| Light | Store away from direct sunlight |
| Odor | Store away from strong odors |
| Shelf Life (sealed) | 24 months |
| Opened Packaging | Use within 6 months; reseal tightly after opening |
