Description
A highly branched cyclic dextrin produced by enzymatic conversion of starch using branching enzyme, also known as Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) or Cluster Dextrin. Lower osmolarity than maltodextrin and faster gastric emptying than glucose, supporting its role as a premium carbohydrate source in sports nutrition.
White to off-white free-flowing powder. Highly water-soluble. Neutral taste, low sweetness, and minimal contribution to viscosity in beverages.
We supply food-grade Crystalline Dextrin from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include Standard HBCD for sports nutrition and beverage use, High-Purity Cluster Dextrin (98% min) for premium sports drink and recovery formulations, and tablet-grade fine powder for chewable nutrition tablets.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering molecular weight distribution, DE, moisture, sulfated ash, and microbiology.
Introduction
Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin was developed by Glico Foods of Japan in the 1990s using starch branching enzyme to produce a defined cluster-shaped dextrin with molecular weight in the 0.16 to 1.5 million range.
Production starts from corn or potato starch. The starch is hydrolyzed to a target average chain length, then treated with branching enzyme that catalyzes intramolecular transglycosylation to produce the cluster-dextrin structure. Final refining through carbon decolorization, ion exchange, and spray drying yields the commercial powder.
Regulated as a starch hydrolysate in all major jurisdictions and listed as Generally Recognized as Safe by the U.S. FDA. Approved as a food ingredient by EFSA, MHLW Japan, and other major regulators.
The functional advantage in sports nutrition rests on the low osmolarity (about one-tenth of glucose at equivalent caloric concentration) and the rapid gastric emptying it permits. Athletes can ingest concentrated carbohydrate drinks without the gastric discomfort caused by high-osmolarity glucose or maltose solutions.
Where it is used
- Sports drinks, pre-workout, and intra-workout carbohydrate sources; faster gastric emptying than glucose or maltodextrin
- Endurance and recovery formulations
- Clinical nutrition and tube-feeding products; low osmolarity reduces gastrointestinal stress
- Functional beverages positioned for performance and recovery
- Meal-replacement powders and high-protein nutrition
- Pharmaceutical carrier for poorly water-soluble actives; improves dissolution
- Confectionery body and bulk applications
- Texture-modifier in low-fat and reduced-sugar food systems
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white free-flowing powder |
| Average molecular weight | 160,000 to 1,500,000 Da |
| Dextrose equivalent (DE) | ≤ 5 |
| Moisture | ≤ 6.0% |
| pH (10% solution) | 4.5 to 6.5 |
| Sulfated ash | ≤ 0.5% |
| Sulfur dioxide | ≤ 20 mg/kg |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 0.5 mg/kg |
| Total plate count | ≤ 1,000 CFU/g |
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