Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) powder is a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer derived from citrus fruits, primarily bitter oranges (Citrus aurantium). NHDC belongs to a class of compounds known as dihydrochalcones, which are polyphenolic compounds found in various plants. It is extracted from the bitter orange peel through a series of chemical processes, including solvent extraction, purification, and crystallization. It is commonly used as a food additive and sweetening agent in a wide range of food and beverage products.

In 1963, American scholar O. O. Herowitz used citrus peel as raw material to make the extremely sweet sweetener dihydrochalcone. After decades of research, people discovered a variety of Glycosides of dihydrochalcone include naringin dihydrochalcone, neomethylhesperidin dihydrochalcone, etc.

Among them, Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone has been included in GB2760 (#S0269) as a food spice; as a sweetening substance in my country’s Feed Additive Catalog (2013), It has been included in GB2760 (#S0269). Aurone belongs to the flavonoid derivatives (vitamin P), and its various properties give it broader application prospects.

Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone Details

Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone Characteristics

High sweetness and low calories

High sweetness (1500-1800 times the sweetness of sucrose), refreshing taste, long-lasting aftertaste, and excellent bitterness shielding effect. The glycoside group of neomethylhesperidin dihydrochalcone is hydrolyzed in the human body, and the glycoside does not participate in metabolism, so its caloric value is extremely small (8.36J/g) and can be used as a low-energy food sweetener.

The sweetness is slow and long

The sweetness comes slowly, the aftertaste lasts for a long time (57S), and the time to reach the maximum sweetness is longer than that of saccharin (42S) and sucrose (24S).

Good stability, non-toxic and fast metabolism

Its properties are very stable whether it is used in acidic or alkaline environments. It is the most known stable safe sweetener, which increases its broad spectrum of applications.

It has flavoring properties such as sweetening, aromatics, taste and masking bitterness.

It has antioxidant properties, lowers cholesterol and lowers blood sugar and other physiological activities.

NHDC Stability

It is stable at room temperature with a pH value above 2.0 and will not be hydrolyzed to form free monosaccharides and glycosides. Even if hydrolysis occurs occasionally, the sweetness will not be completely lost.

After the nNeohesperidin dihydrochalcone aqueous solution was stored in light for several years at room temperature, its color turned slightly yellow, but its sweetness remained almost unchanged. It showed good stability under high temperature and acid-base conditions.

Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone Benefits

1. Intense Sweetness: Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) is known for its intense sweetness, which is several hundred times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) on a weight basis. Despite its high sweetness, NHDC has a clean, sweet taste without any bitter aftertaste, making it a popular choice as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products.
2. Low-Calorie Sweetener: NHDC is virtually calorie-free, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to reduce their calorie intake or manage their weight. As a low-calorie sweetener, NHDC can be used to sweeten foods and beverages without adding significant calories to the diet, making it suitable for individuals following calorie-restricted or weight loss diets.
3. Stability in High Temperatures and pH: Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) is stable under a wide range of temperature and pH conditions, making it suitable for use in processed foods and beverages that undergo heat treatment or have acidic pH levels. Its stability allows NHDC to maintain its sweetness and flavor profile even after exposure to high temperatures or acidic environments, ensuring consistent product quality and shelf life.
4. Flavor Enhancement: In addition to its sweetening properties, NHDC is known for its ability to enhance the flavor of food and beverage products. It has a synergistic effect with other sweeteners and flavorings, enhancing their taste and aroma profiles. NHDC is often used in combination with other sweeteners and flavor enhancers to create well-balanced and flavorful formulations.
5. Masking Bitterness: Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) has the ability to mask bitterness in food and beverage products, making it particularly useful in formulations containing bitter-tasting ingredients or functional ingredients with undesirable flavors. By masking bitterness, NHDC improves the overall palatability and consumer acceptance of the final product.
6. Antioxidant Properties: NHDC exhibits antioxidant properties due to its chemical structure, which includes phenolic groups that can scavenge free radicals and inhibit oxidative damage to cells and tissues. While more research is needed to fully elucidate its antioxidant effects in humans, NHDC may contribute to overall health and well-being as part of a balanced diet.

Applications of Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone (NHDC)

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) is used as a food additive and sweetening agent in a wide range of food and beverage products, including:

Soft Drinks and Carbonated Beverages: NHDC is commonly used to sweeten soft drinks, carbonated beverages, and fruit-flavored sodas. Its intense sweetness and flavor-enhancing properties make it a popular choice for achieving the desired taste profile in these products.

Confectionery and Chewing Gum: NHDC is used in the production of sugar-free confectionery, including candies, chocolates, and chewing gum. Its low-calorie content and sweet taste make it an ideal sugar substitute for individuals seeking sugar-free or reduced-sugar alternatives.

Baked Goods and Desserts: NHDC can be used to sweeten baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and pastries, as well as desserts such as puddings, ice creams, and yogurts. Its stability in high temperatures makes it suitable for use in baking and cooking applications.

Dietary Supplements: NHDC may be added to dietary supplements and functional foods to improve their taste and palatability, particularly in products containing bitter-tasting ingredients or active compounds with unpleasant flavors. Its ability to mask bitterness and enhance sweetness makes it a valuable ingredient in these formulations.

Pharmaceuticals: NHDC may also be used in pharmaceutical formulations as a flavoring agent or sweetener in oral medications, particularly in formulations intended for pediatric or geriatric patients who may have difficulty swallowing pills or tablets. Its sweet taste and flavor-enhancing properties can improve patient compliance and acceptance of medications.

NHDC Safety Considerations

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) is considered safe for human consumption when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices and within established regulatory guidelines. Extensive toxicological studies have demonstrated the safety of NHDC, and it has been approved for use as a food additive by regulatory authorities around the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

As with any food additive, individuals with specific food allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution when consuming products containing NHDC. Additionally, excessive consumption of NHDC may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, particularly when consumed in large quantities.

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) powder is a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer derived from the bitter orange peel. It is extracted through a series of chemical processes and is known for its intense sweetness, low-calorie content, stability in high temperatures and pH, flavor-enhancing properties, and ability to mask bitterness. NHDC is used as a food additive in a wide range of food and beverage products, including soft drinks, confectionery, baked goods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Its safety and regulatory approval make it a popular choice for manufacturers seeking sugar-free or reduced-sugar alternatives that provide sweetness without the calories. With its versatile applications and benefits, NHDC plays a valuable role in the food and beverage industry as a natural sweetening agent and flavor enhancer. Please send inquiry to Email: [email protected] if you want to buy neohesperidin dihydrochalcone.