Glucolactone

Glucolactone, also known as glucono-delta-lactone (GDL), is a naturally occurring cyclic ester of gluconic acid. It is a white crystalline powder that is odorless and has a slightly sweet taste. GDL is commonly found in fruits, honey, and dairy products. It is produced industrially through the oxidation of glucose.

In the food industry, GDL serves multiple purposes. It acts as a leavening agent in baking, reacting with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, which causes dough to rise. It is also used as an acidulant, providing a gradual and mild tartness to foods like cheese, yogurt, and dressings without causing a sharp, immediate sour taste. Its slow hydrolysis to gluconic acid allows for a controlled pH drop, which is beneficial in processes like tofu production, where it helps coagulate soy milk.

Beyond food applications, GDL finds use in cosmetics and personal care products as a mild exfoliant and humectant. Its ability to gently break down dead skin cells and retain moisture contributes to skin hydration and smoothness. In some pharmaceutical preparations, it can be used as an excipient. GDL is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when used as a food additive.