As a multifunctional food additive, Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone (NHDC) is increasingly used in the food industry. Its high sweetness and low calorie properties make it an ideal sucrose substitute. In food processing, NHDC is mainly used in the following aspects:
1. Sweetener: NHDC is about 1500 to 1800 times sweeter than sucrose, and has a unique taste and refreshing aftertaste, making it an indispensable sweetener in various beverages, dairy products, baked goods and candies. Its sweetness in the mouth is released slowly, providing a long-lasting sweet experience.
2. Flavor modifier: NHDC can effectively mask undesirable flavors in food, such as bitterness, sourness and astringency, thereby improving the overall flavor of food. This feature makes its application in juice, tea beverages and pharmaceutical flavoring agents particularly prominent.
3. Functional food ingredient: NHDC not only provides sweetness, but also has physiological activities such as antioxidant, lipid-lowering and blood sugar-lowering effects. These properties make it added as an active ingredient in functional foods and health products to meet the health needs of specific consumer groups.
4. Flavors and spices: The flavor of NHDC is similar to maltol, and it can work synergistically with a variety of flavors and spices to enhance the aroma and flavor of food. In chewing gum, candy and baked goods, the addition of NHDC can improve the sensory quality of the product.
5. Feed additives: In animal feed, NHDC as a sweetener can improve the palatability of feed and promote animal growth. At the same time, its prebiotic properties help regulate animal intestinal flora and enhance immunity.
In summary, the application of NHDC in food processing is multifaceted, not only improving the flavor and taste of food, but also providing health benefits to consumers. With the increasing demand of consumers for healthy food, the application prospects of NHDC in the food industry are broad.