Maltose and sugar are both types of carbohydrates that provide sweetness when used in food. While they share some similarities, such as being soluble and sweet-tasting, they differ in their structure and sources.
When comparing maltose to sugar, one notable difference is their composition. While sugar consists of glucose and fructose, maltose is composed solely of glucose molecules. Due to its specific structure, maltose may not be as commonly used as a sweetener in everyday food products.
Does this mean that maltose is not as good as sugar? It depends on the circumstance. Let’s take a closer look.
Comparing Maltose vs Sugar
| Maltose | Sugar | |
| Substitution ratio | 1.5:1 or 1:1 | 1:1.5 or 1:1 |
| Gluten-free? | Yes | Yes |
| Keto-friendly? | No | No |
| Paleo-friendly? | No | No |
| Common Allergens | Maltose | Sugarcane |
| Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed) | 2-3 years | 2 plus years |
| Best for baking | Beer, malt beverages, meat glazes, and candies. | All kinds of cakes, pastries, and desserts. |
Differences Between Maltose And Sugar
Sugar, or sucrose, is a common sweetener extracted from sugar cane or sugar beet. It comprises two simple sugars, glucose and fructose, which are linked together. This combination of glucose and fructose gives sugar its distinctive taste and makes it widely used in the food industry. Simple sugars like glucose, fructose, and galactose are categorized as monosaccharides and are readily absorbed by the body.
On the other hand, maltose is a disaccharide formed when two glucose molecules are joined together. It is often referred to as malt sugar or maltobiose. Maltose is produced from fermented grains. It plays a role in the production of beer and malt beverages.
While sweetness is the primary reason for sugar’s use in food, it also serves various other purposes in food technology. Added sugar acts as a sweetener, preservative, texture modifier, fermentation substrate, flavoring, coloring, and bulking agent.
Maltose finds its application in bakeries, soft drinks, candies, alcoholic beverages, and infant food. Due to its caramel-like flavor, it is also incorporated into sugar-free products.
Taste and Culinary Uses
Maltose, while having a sweet taste, falls short compared to the gold standard of sweetness provided by sugar. Maltose’s sweetness is only about 30-60% as sweet as sugar, depending on the concentration. When a 10% solution of maltose is compared to sucrose, it measures approximately 35% of the sweetness.
In culinary applications, maltose finds its place in baking, confectionery, and beverage recipes. It can be stirred into drinks or used to create a glossy coat when brushed over meat dishes like Peking duck and spare ribs. This attribute makes it highly valued in Chinese cooking for roasted meats and for achieving crispy skin on poultry. Despite its desirable effects on dishes, maltose can be a bit challenging to handle at room temperature as it is super stiff and sticky.
On the other hand, sugar not only adds color to baked goods but also serves as a preservative, flavor enhancer, and bulking agent. Its versatility is evident in its extensive use in sauces, syrups, and beverages. Sugar not only imparts sweetness but also helps increase viscosity, resulting in a thicker consistency and better mouthfeel.
Are Maltose and Sugar Substitutes for Each Other?
Maltose can serve as a replacement sugar in recipes, with a 1:1 ratio for the same texture. Just be aware that the produce will not taste as sweet. For sweetening beverages to the same standard as sugar, use 50% more maltose.
Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits
Table sugar (granulated sugar, sucrose) (2 tsp.)
- Name: Table sugar (granulated sugar, sucrose)
- Calories: 30
- Total carbs: 8 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- GI: 65
Maltose (10 grams)
- Name: Maltose
- Calories: 40
- Total carbs: 9 g
- Sugars: 7 g
- GI: 105
Both maltose and sugar provide a quick source of energy to the body in the form of glucose. However, maltose stands out with its additional advantages. Maltose contains fiber, iron, and even some protein, making it a more nutritious option. Throughout history, the Chinese have used maltose as a light medicinal treatment to support better digestion and boost the immune system.
Diet Suitability
When it comes to diet suitability, maltose and sugar have different characteristics that need to be taken into account. White sugar, for instance, undergoes a refining process that often involves the use of bone char, making it non-vegan. It is also not considered keto-friendly, Whole30-friendly, or paleo-friendly.
Maltose, in its pure form, is generally considered vegan-friendly, as it is derived from plant-based sources. However, individuals following a vegan diet should be cautious of potential animal-derived additives that might be present in products containing maltose. It is not recommended for the keto diet, as it is a high-glycemic sweetener that can potentially disrupt ketosis even in small amounts. Similarly, maltose is incompatible with the paleo or Whole30 diet, as refined sugars are not compliant with their guidelines.
How to Store Maltose and Sugar
For optimal storage of sugars, it is recommended to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Maltose should also be stored in a cool and dry place and does not need to be refrigerated.
Price and Availability
On Amazon, you can purchase just over a pound of maltose at $10. Alternatively, if you buy it wholesale from China in bulk, you can find it as cheap as 47 cents per pound. Sugar is available for as low as 25 cents per pound.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of burning sugarcane is significant and primarily manifests as air pollution. When the leafy parts of sugarcane are burned, it releases toxic and hazardous substances such as nitrates, carbon compounds, and sulfates. These substances not only degrade air quality but are also associated with the adverse effects of climate change.
On the other hand, maltose can be considered relatively sustainable, provided that pesticides have not been used. To ensure sustainability, choosing non-GMO/organic maltose is advisable to avoid contamination of air, water, soil, and other ecosystems caused by toxic chemical pesticides.
Maltose vs. Sugar: The Ultimate Verdict
With similar baking properties and not too huge of a difference in nutrition and health benefits, my verdict is sugar as the winner in this debate based on price, availability, and ease of use. Sorry maltose!
FAQs
Maltose, a naturally derived sweetener, has its origins in China and is produced through the distillation of fermented grains, typically rice. The ingredients of maltose are solely composed of rice and water.
Sucrose has a rating of 1, fructose has a rating of 1.7, glucose has a rating of 0.74-0.80, and maltose has a rating of 0.33-0.45. So, it is actually less sweet than other sugars.
Leave a Comment