Mannitol (E421) · Polyol Bulk Sweetener & Tablet Filler

Key characteristics

• Polyol sweetener: provides bulk and moderate sweetness, with a clean and refreshing taste.
• Cooling effect: endothermic dissolution leads to a cooling sensation, ideal for mint, gum and oral-freshness products.
• Low hygroscopicity: remains relatively non-sticky under many storage conditions, supporting stable coatings and free-flowing blends.
• Good compressibility: suitable for direct compression in certain tablet and confectionery processes (subject to grade choice and process optimisation).
• Tooth-friendly profile: like other polyols, mannitol is widely used in sugar-free confectionery and chewing gum where non-cariogenic properties are desired.

Mannitol is typically used in combination with other polyols, sugars or high-intensity sweeteners to achieve target sweetness, texture and cost-in-use.

Indicative specification points

Atlas adapts mannitol specifications to each customer’s QA standards, process conditions and market requirements. Typical commercial characteristics include:

• Appearance: white, crystalline, free-flowing powder or granules.
• Mannitol assay consistent with recognised E421 food-grade specifications.
• Controlled moisture, ash and related polyol/sugar levels.
• Specific particle size distributions designed for coatings, gums, tablets or powder blends.
• Microbiological profile suitable for confectionery, bakery and nutrition applications.

Detailed product specifications, analytical methods and batch-wise COAs are agreed during supplier qualification with your quality and regulatory teams.

Chewing gum & confectionery

• Sugar-free chewing gum (pellet and stick), often in combination with xylitol, sorbitol and other polyols.
• Compressed mints and lozenges, where mannitol supports hardness, smooth mouthfeel and cooling perception.
• Sugar-free candies and centre-fill systems requiring stable, low-hygroscopic phases.
• Chewable confectionery positioned around freshness or oral-care concepts, where regulations allow the intended claims.

Coatings & decorations

• Coated chewing gum and tablets where mannitol helps deliver crisp, low-hygroscopic coatings.
• Decorative dusting / anti-sticking agent in certain confectionery and bakery applications.

Bakery, mixes & nutrition applications

• Bakery premixes and fillings, where mannitol can replace part of the sugar or polyol system to reduce stickiness.
• Nutrition and dietary supplement tablets, where relevant food-grade mannitol grades are used as fillers and sweeteners in chewable or dispersible formats (always subject to local regulations and sector-specific GMP requirements).
• Powder blends and instant products that benefit from mannitol’s flow properties and moderate sweetness.

Formulation guidance

• Combine mannitol with higher-sweetness polyols or high-intensity sweeteners to achieve the desired sweetness level and cost profile.
• Consider the cooling effect when designing flavour profiles (e.g. mint, citrus, herbal, menthol).
• Optimise particle size and grade for direct compression or coating processes.
• Review local regulations for polyol usage, energy values and any required advisory statements such as “excessive consumption may produce laxative effects”.

Quality & regulatory documentation

• Supplied according to E421 food additive specifications for mannitol.
• Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) including assay, moisture, ash and impurity profile.
• Documentation for GMO status, allergen status, contaminants, heavy metals and microbiology available as needed.
• Certificates such as ISO, FSSC, Halal, Kosher can be provided where available from producers.
• Customers remain responsible for final label, nutritional statements and health-related claims in each country; Atlas provides transparent information to support these assessments.

Packaging, storage & logistics

• Standard packaging: 25 kg bags or cartons with food-grade inner liners; other options can be discussed for specific projects.
• Options for mixed-container shipments together with other polyols, high-intensity sweeteners or ingredients from the Atlas portfolio.
• Store in a cool, dry environment, away from moisture, strong odours and direct sunlight to maintain free-flowing product.
• Atlas organises shipments under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, providing full export documentation and logistics coordination.

For details on grade availability, particle sizes, packaging formats, lead times and documentation requirements, please share your project scope, annual volume and destination markets with Atlas.