Description
Glucono delta lactone (GDL) is a natural constituent of many foods. It can be found in honey, fruit juices, wine and many fermented products. As a natural food acid it contributes to the tangy flavor of various foods and since it lowers the pH it also helps preserve the food from deterioration by enzymes and microorganisms.

Glucono delta lactone is recognized as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) food additive. In processed foods, GDL functions as a curing and pickling agent; leavening agent; pH control agent; and sequestrant. From a nutritional standpoint, GDL is a carbohydrate.

Glucono delta lactone is unique among food acidulants because of its lactone formation. In an aqueous solution there is an equilibrium between gluconic acid and the delta and gamma lactones.

Material Safety Data Sheet
   Glucono Delta Lactone

General Characteristics
Chemical Name: D-Glucono-1,5-lactone
Chemical Formula C6H10O6
Molecular Weight: 178.14
Other names: Dextronic acid; Hexonic acid

Standard Specifications
(FCC V)
Meet the specifications outlined in the Food Chemicals Codex.

Application
GDL is commonly found in honey, fruit juices, and wine. Being acidic, it adds a tangy taste to foods, though it has roughly a third of the sourness of citric acid. It is metabolized to glucose; one gram of GDL is equivalent to one gram of sugar.

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