E575 GLUCONO DELTA LACTONE

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is a naturally occurring cyclic ester (lactone) of D-gluconic acid derived from glucose, commercially produced by the aerobic oxidation of glucose using glucose oxidase or by fermentation with the mold Aspergillus niger followed by direct crystallization, yielding a white, odorless crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water and slowly hydrolyzes to gluconic acid, providing a progressive and continuous decrease in pH that makes it an ideal slow-release acidifier, coagulant, leavening agent, sequestrant, curing agent, and preservative in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used as a coagulant in tofu manufacturing where its gradual acidification initiates the uniform curdling of soy protein into smooth, white, and tender curds without the graininess left by faster-acting mineral coagulants, and as a leavening acid in bakery products where it reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide for a more controlled and even rise than faster-acting acids.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is widely used in processed meat and sausage production as a curing accelerator and color stabilizer that lowers pH gradually over 40–60 minutes, inhibits spoilage bacteria, reduces nitrite usage, stabilizes the pink curing color, and extends shelf life, and in cosmetics it is known as gluconolactone and used for its skin conditioning, chelating, moisturizing, and mild exfoliating properties.

CAS Number: 90-80-2
EC Number: 202-016-5
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O₆
Molecular Weight: 178.14 g/mol

Synonyms: Glucono Delta Lactone, Glucono-delta-lactone, GDL, Gluconolactone, D-Glucono-1,5-lactone, D-Gluconolactone, Delta-Gluconolactone, Glucono δ-lactone, 1,5-Gluconolactone, D-Aldonolactone, D-Glucono-delta-lactone, Gluconic Acid Lactone, Gluconic Lactone, Glucono-δ-lactone, D-Gluconic Acid Delta-Lactone, D-Glucono delta-lactone, delta-Gluconolactone, GDL E575, E 575, GLUCONO DELTA LATTONE, CAS 90-80-2

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is an oxidized derivative of glucose with the IUPAC name D-Glucono-1,5-lactone and the systematic name (3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-Trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-one, occurring naturally in honey, fruit juices, wine, and many fermented products, where it contributes to their characteristic mild acidity.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is pH-neutral in its pure crystalline form but hydrolyzes in water to gluconic acid, which is acidic; an equilibrium is established between D-gluconic acid (55–66%) and the delta and gamma lactone forms, and the rate of hydrolysis is increased by heat and high pH; the resulting acidification has roughly a third of the sourness of citric acid, making the final flavor mild and pleasant.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is metabolized in the body to 6-phospho-D-gluconate through normal glucose metabolic pathways; one gram of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone yields roughly the same amount of metabolic energy as one gram of sugar; gluconic acid is a naturally occurring substance present in fruit and honey and is produced endogenously by the human body.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US FDA and is approved in the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 with E number E575, permitted in all food and beverages at quantum satis; it is kosher, halal, vegan, and GMO-free.

Uses of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used as a coagulant in tofu production where its gradual and gentle acidification initiates the even curdling of soy protein without the graininess or bitter taste caused by faster-acting mineral coagulants such as nigari (magnesium chloride); it can be used alone or in combination with nigari, and the standard use rate is approximately 9 g per 1 kg of soy milk cooled to below 30°C, followed by steaming or boiling for 25 minutes to achieve smooth silken tofu.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used as a leavening acid in baking powders and self-raising flour in combination with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in a 2:1 ratio (GDL:NaHCO₃), where the gradual hydrolysis of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone to gluconic acid releases carbon dioxide progressively during baking, providing a more uniform rise and improved crumb structure compared to faster-acting acids such as cream of tartar.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used in processed meat products including dry-cured sausages, frankfurters, cooked sausages, cooked smoked sausages, and cured pork products as a curing accelerator and mild acidulant at concentrations of 0.1–0.2% for cooked products and 0.1–0.3% (by weight of the meat basis), where it lowers pH over 40–60 minutes, accelerates color fixation, reduces smoking time by up to 50%, reduces weight loss during smoking, reduces wrinkle formation, and inhibits the growth of spoilage bacteria.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used in meat processing to reduce the residual amount of nitrosamines by lowering the required level of nitrites for color development and preservation, while maintaining a bright and stable curing color; it can be used in combination with sodium erythorbate (E316) or sodium ascorbate for more rapid color development.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used in dairy products including cheese production (feta, mozzarella, cream cheese, quark), yogurt, and fermented milk products as a mild acidulant and coagulant, where its gradual acidification prevents the cheese from becoming too sour too quickly and allows the development of complex characteristic flavors and textures.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used as an acidity regulator, chelating agent, and buffering agent in a wide range of food products including fruit juices, jams, marmalades, fruit syrups, jellies, salads, sauces, soups, mayonnaise, canned goods, desserts, and reduced-fat spreads, where its mild sourness and gradual acidification are technologically advantageous.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used as a sequestrant that binds divalent metal ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺, etc.) in dairy products, beer, and industrial cleaning applications, preventing lime and magnesium deposits in process equipment, preventing oxidative rancidity in processed meats and seafood, and inhibiting metal-catalyzed reactions in food systems.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used in the baking industry in the production of pizza dough, biscuits, hard biscuits, and sourdough-style breads as a pH regulator and slow-release acidulant that improves dough handling and provides a mild sour flavor without the sharpness of stronger organic acids.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used in fish and seafood processing to keep products fresher for longer, and in the production of salted fish as a fast-curing aid, though long-term storage of products containing E575 Glucono Delta Lactone should be considered as the additive may develop a different flavor profile over extended storage periods.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used in cosmetics and personal care products under the name gluconolactone as a pH adjuster, chelating agent, skin conditioning agent, and mild exfoliant in skin care products, hair care products, toothpaste, deodorant, creams, and lotions, where the multiple hydroxyl groups on the E575 Glucono Delta Lactone molecule attract water, providing a moisturizing effect that may smooth skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used in pharmaceutical and chemical production as a sequestrant, buffering agent, chelating agent, acidulant, and excipient, and in the production of gluconate salts (sodium, potassium, calcium gluconate — E576, E577, E578) and ferrous gluconate (E579) as a chemical precursor.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone can also be used as a preservative in combination with other antimicrobial agents such as sodium benzoate, where it potentiates the preservative effect and enhances microbial tolerance of the finished product; it is also compatible with other antimicrobial or antifungal ingredients whose activity is dependent on a low pH.

Benefits or Advantages of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone provides a slow and predictable release of acidity through gradual hydrolysis to gluconic acid, which avoids the sharp, sour taste and undesirable textures caused by direct addition of strong acids, making it uniquely suitable for applications requiring controlled acidification including tofu coagulation, meat curing, cheese production, and baking.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone has roughly a third of the sourness of citric acid and an initial slightly sweet taste, making the final flavor of acidified products considerably milder and more pleasant than products acidified with stronger organic acids such as citric, malic, or fumaric acid.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is non-toxic and completely metabolized in the human body through normal carbohydrate metabolic pathways, yielding approximately the same metabolic energy per gram as sugar; regulatory reviews have not identified organ-specific adverse effects, carcinogenic, genotoxic, or reproductive effects at food-relevant intakes.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is kosher, halal, vegan, and GMO-free, and is a naturally occurring substance found in honey, fruit juice, and wine, making it suitable for use in natural, clean-label, and specialty diet food formulations.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is an effective preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria by lowering pH, extends the shelf life of meat, dairy, and bakery products, reduces the requirement for artificial preservatives such as nitrites, and when combined with sodium benzoate potentiates the preservative effect.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone acts as a sequestrant that binds metal ions, preventing metal-catalyzed oxidative rancidity in processed meats and seafood and preventing lime scale and mineral deposits in food processing equipment.

Features of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is a white, fine, odorless crystalline powder or granules with a slightly sweet-sour taste, density of approximately 1.7 g/cm³, melting point of 150–153°C (decomposes at approximately 153°C), freely soluble in water (59 g/100 mL at 25°C), slightly soluble in ethyl alcohol, insoluble in ethyl ether, and practically odorless.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is pH-neutral in its pure form; when dissolved in water it partially hydrolyzes to gluconic acid, with an equilibrium established between the acid (55–66%) and the lactone forms; the rate of hydrolysis is increased by heat and high pH, and one gram of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone yields roughly the same metabolic energy as one gram of sugar when metabolized.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is a slow-release acidulant less commonly used than other food acidity regulators such as citric acid, malic acid, and fumaric acid, but distinguishable by its two major differentiating properties: progressive and continuous pH decrease due to slow hydrolysis, and a milder, less tart final flavor with an initial slightly sweet taste.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is a complete inhibitor of the enzyme amygdalin beta-glucosidase at concentrations of 1 mM, and the yeast Saccharomyces bulderi can ferment E575 Glucono Delta Lactone to ethanol and carbon dioxide; concentrations of 1–2% in mineral media cause the pH to drop below 3.

Chemical Properties of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone has the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O₆, molecular weight 178.14 g/mol, IUPAC name D-Glucono-1,5-lactone, and systematic IUPAC name (3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-Trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-one; it is an inner ester (lactone) formed by the intramolecular esterification of D-gluconic acid between the C-1 carboxyl group and the C-5 hydroxyl group.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone undergoes hydrolysis in water according to the reaction C₆H₁₀O₆ + H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₇ (gluconic acid), and is metabolized in vivo to 6-phospho-D-gluconate through the pentose phosphate pathway; it is also produced biologically by the aerobic oxidation of glucose according to the reaction C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ → C₆H₁₀O₆ + H₂O₂.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is chemically stable in its dry crystalline form under recommended storage conditions; it is reactive in aqueous solution, where the rate of hydrolysis to gluconic acid increases with temperature and pH; it is incompatible with strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, and conditions that accelerate hydrolysis.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is a chiral compound (D-configuration), a colorless solid that is an oxidized derivative of glucose, and it belongs to the group of gluconic acid and related gluconates (E574–E579) which are currently undergoing systematic re-evaluation by EFSA as of 2024.

Production of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is produced commercially by two main routes: aerobic oxidation of glucose in the presence of the enzyme glucose oxidase (co-generating hydrogen peroxide), or by fermentation of glucose using the mold Aspergillus niger or enzymes derived from these microorganisms; corn starch is the major source of glucose, and genetically modified corn is often used as the starting material.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is obtained by direct crystallization from the aqueous solution of gluconic acid; if the gluconic acid is evaporated, E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is formed; gluconates (E576–E578) are chemical compounds of sodium, potassium, or calcium with gluconic acid, while E579 and E585 are compounds of iron with gluconic acid and lactic acid respectively.

E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is available at food grade with an assay of ≥99% minimum purity, and is packaged in 25 kg bags with a shelf life of 24 months when stored at a maximum of 25°C and 80% relative humidity in original packaging away from sunlight and odorous products.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is used in food formulations at concentrations of 0.1–5.0% depending on the application: 0.1–0.2% in cooked meat products, 0.1–0.3% in cured and smoked meat products, up to 0.5–0.8% in dry-fermented sausages requiring a more acidic taste, approximately 9 g/kg soy milk in tofu, and 2.5% of flour weight (as 2:1 GDL:NaHCO₃ mixture) in bakery products.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:

Handling of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices and in compliance with the applicable Safety Data Sheet.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone has no special hazards requiring specific first aid measures under normal handling conditions; avoid generation of dust and inhalation of powder during handling.

SDS of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:

Stability and Reactivity of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:

Chemical stability:
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is stable in its dry crystalline form under recommended storage conditions below 25°C and 80% relative humidity.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone hydrolyzes in aqueous solution to gluconic acid; the rate of hydrolysis increases with temperature and high pH.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal handling conditions.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone reacts with water to form gluconic acid; it may react with strong bases and strong oxidizing agents.

Conditions to avoid:
Moisture and humid conditions (accelerates hydrolysis in solid form).
Temperatures above 25°C during storage.
Contact with strong bases (accelerates hydrolysis).
Contact with strong oxidizing agents.
Prolonged exposure to heat and high pH in solution.

Incompatible materials:
Strong bases (alkalis).
Strong oxidizing agents.
Water (in bulk; causes hydrolysis to gluconic acid).

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Irritating organic fumes (under thermal decomposition above 153°C).

Handling and Storage of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with eyes.
Wash hands after handling.
Keep containers sealed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption and hydrolysis.

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area at a maximum of 25°C (77°F) and a maximum of 80% relative humidity.
Keep in tightly sealed original containers away from sunlight and odorous products.
Shelf life: 24 months in original sealed packaging under recommended storage conditions.
Packaging: 25 kg bag.

First Aid Measures of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:

Inhalation:
Move affected person to fresh air.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone has no special hazards; seek medical advice if respiratory irritation from dust persists.

Skin contact:
Wash affected skin with soap and water.
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is non-irritating under normal conditions.

Eye contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is non-toxic and is completely metabolized in the body like a carbohydrate.
Rinse mouth with water; drink plenty of water.
Seek medical advice if gastrointestinal discomfort occurs in sensitive individuals.

Firefighting Measures of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide.

Specific hazards:
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone is combustible in dry powder form; it decomposes at approximately 153°C.
Thermal decomposition may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating organic fumes.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Cool exposed containers with water spray.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains or waterways.

Accidental Release Measures of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:

Personal precautions:
Avoid inhalation of dust; wear appropriate dust mask.
Prevent contact with moisture as this accelerates hydrolysis.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent large quantities of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone from entering drains or waterways.

Methods for cleaning up:
Sweep or vacuum dry spilled material into labeled waste containers; avoid creating dust.
Dispose according to local regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate local exhaust ventilation where dust is generated during weighing, mixing, or bagging.

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses or goggles where dust generation is possible.

Hand protection:
Gloves recommended for prolonged handling.

Respiratory protection:
Wear a dust respirator (NIOSH-approved) where dust generation cannot be avoided.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands thoroughly after handling E575 Glucono Delta Lactone and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Identifiers of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:
CAS Number: 90-80-2
EC Number: 202-016-5
ECHA InfoCard: 100.001.833
E Number: E575
IUPAC Name: D-Glucono-1,5-lactone
Systematic IUPAC Name: (3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-Trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-one
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O₆
Molecular Weight: 178.14 g/mol
KEGG: D04332
DrugBank: DB04564
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous (no special hazards)
US FDA: GRAS
EU: Approved food additive E575 (Regulation EC 1333/2008); quantum satis in all foods and beverages
Dietary status: Kosher; Halal; Vegan; GMO-free
Assay: ≥99% minimum (food grade)

Properties of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:
Physical state: Solid (crystalline powder or granules)
Appearance: White, fine, odorless crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Practically odorless
Taste: Slightly sweet-sour
Molecular weight: 178.14 g/mol
Melting point: 150–153°C (decomposes at ~153°C)
Density: ~1.7 g/cm³
Solubility in water: Freely soluble; 59 g/100 mL at 25°C
Solubility in ethyl alcohol: Slightly soluble
Solubility in ethyl ether: Insoluble
pH (aqueous solution): Neutral in pure form; hydrolyzes to gluconic acid on dissolution
Rate of hydrolysis: Increased by heat and high pH
Equilibrium: 55–66% gluconic acid; balance as delta and gamma lactones
Metabolic pathway: Metabolized to 6-phospho-D-gluconate (glucose metabolic pathway)
Caloric value: ~1 g GDL ≈ 1 g sugar (same metabolic energy)
GHS Classification: Not classified
Typical use level in food: 0.1–5.0%

Specifications of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:
Product name: E575 Glucono Delta Lactone (GDL)
CAS Number: 90-80-2
EC Number: 202-016-5
E Number: E575
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O₆
Molecular Weight: 178.14 g/mol
Assay: ≥99% minimum
Appearance: White, fine, odorless crystalline powder or granules
Melting point: 150–153°C
Solubility in water: Freely soluble (59 g/100 mL at 25°C)
Density: ~1.7 g/cm³
Dietary status: Kosher, Halal, Vegan, GMO-free
Storage: ≤25°C, ≤80% relative humidity; sealed original packaging; away from sunlight and odorous products
Shelf life: 24 months in original sealed packaging
Packaging: 25 kg bag

Names of E575 Glucono Delta Lactone:
E575 Glucono Delta Lactone
Glucono Delta Lactone
Glucono-delta-lactone
GDL
Gluconolactone
D-Glucono-1,5-lactone
D-Gluconolactone
Delta-Gluconolactone
Glucono δ-lactone
1,5-Gluconolactone
D-Aldonolactone
D-Glucono-delta-lactone
Gluconic Acid Lactone
Gluconic Lactone
D-Gluconic Acid Delta-Lactone
GLUCONO DELTA LATTONE
E575
E 575
CAS 90-80-2