Lactitol is a 12-carbon sugar alcohol, which can be produced by hydrogenation of lactose through a catalyst. There are two types of products, anhydrous and containing a bound water. It has a refreshing sweetness and is often used in combination with high-sweetness sweeteners. It has no aftertaste and is hygroscopic. It has low performance and high solubility. Its relative molecular weight is similar to that of sucrose, and its influence on water activity is also similar to that of sucrose. It is stable under both acidic and alkaline conditions, and is also very stable under high temperature conditions in food processing. Lactitol is suitable for many foods, such as baked goods, sugar-coated candies, and frozen milk-containing sweets.
