
DL-Alanine's sweetness characteristics and extensive applications in the food industry are highly valued. Below is a detailed analysis of its sweetness properties and applications:
I. Sweetness Characteristics of DL-Alanine
DL-Alanine is an amino acid with a distinctive sweetness, characterized by the following aspects:
·High Sweetness: DL-Alanine is significantly sweeter than regular sugar, with a sweetness 1.6 times that of glycine, making it the sweetest amino acid.
·Unique Flavor: In addition to sweetness, dl-alanine can blend with other aromatic compounds to enhance flavors, imparting a more sophisticated aroma. It also balances salty, sour, spicy, bitter, astringent, and other strong flavors, resulting in a smoother overall taste profile.
·Improves Artificial Sweeteners: DL-Alanine can improve the taste profile of artificial sweeteners, reducing or masking the bitterness or other undesirable aftertastes they may have.
II. Applications of DL-Alanine in the Food Industry
1. Food Additive:
·DL-Alanine is primarily used as a food additive, either independently or combined with monosodium glutamate to create compound seasonings.
·When used alone, it serves as an additive for pickled vegetables and sweet sauces, accelerating pickling time and enhancing flavor.
· It is also commonly added to products such as vinegar, soy sauce, and fruit juices, with typical usage levels ranging from 0.1% to 0.5%.
2. Nutritional Supplement:
·DL-Alanine can be used as a nutritional supplement in food processing, providing additional amino acid nutrition to food products.
3. Flavor Enhancer:
·Utilizing its distinctive sweetness and aroma, dl-alanine harmonizes the overall flavor of food, making it more savory and palatable.
·It can also improve the sourness of organic acids, enhancing the taste of vinegar and other seasonings.
4. Antioxidant:
·DL-Alanine's antioxidant properties prevent oxidation during food processing, extending the shelf life of food products.
5. Other Applications:
·Beyond the above uses, dl-alanine can act as an acidity corrector and buffer in synthetic sake and refreshing beverages. It prevents aging in sparkling beverages, reduces yeast odors, and improves the taste and quality of alcoholic drinks.
·In the pharmaceutical industry, dl-alanine is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of vitamins, such as Vitamin B6, and other medicines.
With its unique sweetness characteristics and wide range of applications, dl-alanine plays a critical role in the food industry. However, its usage must adhere to proper guidelines, including appropriate dosages and methods, to ensure food safety and quality.