This section focuses on an overview of sorbitol as well as its manufacturing processes and uses. Also, please check out the introduction to sorbitol manufacturers, supply chain issues, sorbitol suppliers, and sorbitol prices. Sinofi’s technical sales can help you buy high-quality sorbitol in bulk for your industry applications at wholesale prices based on E420 and CAS 50-70-4.

Table of Contents

What is Sorbitol?

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) that occurs naturally in some fruits and is also produced synthetically. It occurs naturally in certain fruits, particularly apples, pears, and stone fruits such as cherries and plums. Sorbitol has the molecular formula C₆H₁₄O₆ and is derived from glucose through a hydrogenation process. It provides approximately 2.6 calories per gram, while offering about 60% of sucrose’s sweetness. Sorbitol is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food as a sweetener. Sorbitol has also been evaluated by relevant regulatory authorities like JECFA, ECHACHEM, NIST, and WHO. It is highly stable as it can bear high temperatures.

CAS No.: 50-70-4

According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of sorbitol is 50-70-4
Molecular Formula: C6H14O6
Molecular Mass: 182.17

E Number: E420

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), sorbitol is approved as a sweetener (E420) in foods. This food additive is being re-evaluated.

Bulk Sorbitol Manufacturers

Top sorbitol manufacturers include some companies from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and China. These large-scale sorbitol manufacturers, along with regional players, supply sorbitol globally to various industries.
Sinofi is a bulk sorbitol manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of sorbitol E420. We supply high-quality sorbitol at bulk prices for our clients around the world.

Manufacturing Process of Sorbitol

Sorbitol is primarily produced through the catalytic hydrogenation of glucose, typically derived from corn starch. The manufacturing process involves:

Starch hydrolysis to produce glucose.
Catalytic hydrogenation of glucose using hydrogen gas and a metal catalyst.
Purification and concentration of the resulting sorbitol solution.

Bulk Sorbitol Suppliers

The top sorbitol suppliers often overlap with the major manufacturers, as many large producers also handle distribution. They manufacture and directly supply sorbitol to end-users. They also provide technical support and application development for their sorbitol users. However, some companies like Brenntag focus more on sorbitol distribution and supply chain management.
Sinofi is a bulk sorbitol supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for food and pharmaceutical-grade sorbitol. We supply high-quality sorbitol at wholesale prices to food and beverage manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and personal care product makers.

Supply Chain of Sorbitol

The sorbitol supply chain begins with agricultural producers growing corn or wheat. These raw materials are processed into starch, then glucose, before being converted to sorbitol. The finished product is distributed to various industries through a network of suppliers and distributors.

Manufacturing: Large manufacturers produce sorbitol, ensuring quality control from production to delivery.
Distribution: Some large sorbitol manufacturers and suppliers manage logistics, warehousing, and transportation to deliver sorbitol to end-users efficiently.
Technical Support: They often provide application development, formulation assistance, and technical expertise to help customers integrate sorbitol into their products.
Supply Chain Optimization: Many suppliers help customers streamline their supply chains, offering services like inventory management and just-in-time delivery.
Regulatory Compliance: They assist customers in navigating regulatory requirements for sorbitol use in different applications and regions.

Wholesale and Buy Sorbitol in Bulk

For businesses requiring sorbitol in large quantities, buying sorbitol wholesale offers significant advantages.

Cost savings through bulk pricing.
Consistent supply for production needs.
Direct relationships with manufacturers or distributors.

As a bulk sorbitol manufacturer and supplier in China, we not only supply our sorbitol E420 to large food manufacturers and distributors worldwide. We also wholesale our sorbitol to small customers and sugar-substitute lovers. Normally, they want to buy sorbitol in small quantities. To serve them, we can wholesale high-quality sorbitol at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service in terms of their requirements.

Sorbitol Price (USD/Kg)

Food Grade Sorbitol Price (>=99% purity)

Volume	Unit Price	Shipment
50g	2 USD	Express
500g	6 USD	Express
1Kg	10 USD /Kg	Express
20Kg	20% cheaper	Express
100Kg-Above	negotiable	Express / Sea

Sorbitol prices can fluctuate based on raw material costs and market demand. It may vary depending on purity, quantity, and specific market conditions. Negotiating long-term contracts may help stabilize sorbitol prices for regular buyers. The above sorbitol price quotations, especially for small orders, do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost of sorbitol E420 may exceed the value of the sample. But the bulk wholesale sorbitol price will be much lower than that of small orders. Please contact us for more details.

Sorbitol Uses

Sorbitol is widely used in various industries, including:

Food industry: Sugar-free foods, diabetic-friendly products, and moisture retention.
Pharmaceuticals: Excipient in tablets, laxatives.
Personal care: Toothpaste, mouthwash, cosmetics.
Industrial applications: Plasticizer, anti-freeze agent.

As sorbitol E420 has no harmful effects on oral health and does not contribute to tooth decay, it is extensively utilized in culinary preparations, like cake, candy, chewing gums, and desserts, and in non-food items, like toothpaste and mouthwash.

Sorbitol Benefits

The primary benefits of sorbitol include:

Lower-calorie alternative to sugar.
Suitable for diabetics (doesn’t significantly affect blood glucose levels).
Provides texture and moisture retention in food products.
Non-carcinogenic (doesn’t promote tooth decay).
Acts as a bulking agent and stabilizer in various formulations.

Sorbitol Used in Mouthwash

A Production Method for A Mouthwash – Formulation by Weight

(1) Add a portion of water, 8wt% glycerol, 1.5wt% sorbitol, 0.4wt% propylene glycol, 0.05wt% sodium fluoride, 0.1wt% poloxamer 407, 0.1wt% sucralose, 0.1wt% cetylpyridinium chloride, 0.3wt% sodium benzoate, 0.1wt% dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, 1wt% plant extract (wherein the composition weight ratio of each plant extract is: Coptis chinensis root extract ≥3.33%, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract ≥3.33%, Quercus truncatula rhizome extract ≥1.67%, Grapefruit seed extract ≥1.67%, 55wt% glycerol, 0.4wt% potassium sorbate, 0.2wt% citric acid, ≤34.4wt%) and a portion of polysorbate-20 into a container, stir to dissolve, then add 0.1wt% sodium hyaluronate and continue stirring until dissolved.
(2) Dissolve 0.1 wt% of the essence and 0.04 wt% of menthone glycerol acetal in the remaining polysorbate-20, stir evenly, and add to the mixture obtained in step (1) to obtain a semi-finished mouthwash.
(3) Add 0.05 wt% of carbomer to the remaining water under high-speed stirring for dispersion, add 0.075 wt% of arginine for neutralization after uniform dispersion, and add to the semi-finished mouthwash obtained in step (2) after complete neutralization, stir until the solution is clear and transparent, and obtain a mouthwash.

In conclusion, sorbitol is a popular low-calorie sweetener due to its versatility and stability. As a bulk sorbitol manufacturer and supplier in China, Sinofi sells high-quality sorbitol at wholesale prices to large food manufacturers and small customers worldwide.