Trehalose Sugar (Food Grade / Cosmetic Grade / Pharmaceutical Grade)
High-Purity Natural Disaccharide | Bulk Supply & OEM Solutions
By AIHerba® — A Division of Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.
1. What Is Trehalose Sugar?
Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, often called the “sugar of life.” It’s found in mushrooms, honey, yeast, seaweed, and even certain desert plants that survive extreme dehydration.
In industrial applications, Trehalose sugar is a multifunctional ingredient known for its stabilizing, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties. It helps preserve the structure, flavor, and biological activity of proteins, enzymes, and cells — making it invaluable across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries.
At AIHerba, we produce high-purity Trehalose (≥99%) through advanced enzymatic conversion and purification processes, ensuring consistent quality, low endotoxin levels, and excellent solubility.
2. Product Source & Production Process
Our Trehalose is derived from food-grade starch (typically from corn or tapioca) using enzymatic biotransformation — a natural and sustainable method recognized by FAO and WHO for its safety and purity.
Production Process Flow
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Raw Material Selection: Non-GMO corn starch sourced from certified suppliers.
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Enzymatic Conversion: Specific enzymes (α-amylase and Trehalose synthase) convert glucose to Trehalose.
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Purification: Ion exchange and activated carbon filtration remove impurities.
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Concentration & Crystallization: Achieve ≥99% purity.
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Drying & Sieving: Spray-drying ensures uniform particle size and excellent flowability.
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Quality Control: Full COA, HPLC purity verification, microbiological and heavy metal testing.
3. Key Benefits & Functional Properties
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🌿 Moisture Retention: Protects skin and hair from dehydration; ideal for moisturizers and shampoos.
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🧬 Protein Stabilizer: Shields proteins and enzymes from denaturation during heat, drying, or freezing.
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🥤 Natural Sweetener: Mild sweetness (45% of sucrose) with a clean taste and no aftertaste.
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🧊 Cryoprotectant: Prevents cell damage during freeze-drying or cold storage (used in vaccines and probiotics).
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🍫 Flavor Enhancer: Improves flavor stability and color retention in beverages, candies, and baked goods.
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💊 Safe for Diabetics: Low glycemic index and non-cariogenic; safe for use in functional foods.
4. Health & Safety Profile
Clinical research supports Trehalose as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the U.S. FDA and approved by EFSA and JECFA as a food additive (E965).
A 2018 NIH study (PMID: 29368512) confirmed its neuroprotective and autophagy-inducing potential — suggesting benefits for brain health and anti-aging applications.
5. Applications by Industry
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | Sweeteners, bakery, dairy, confectionery, sports drinks, and frozen desserts. |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Moisturizing creams, facial masks, serums, hair conditioners, and sunscreens. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Excipient in tablets, cryoprotectant in vaccines, protein stabilizer. |
| Biotech & Nutraceuticals | Stabilizing probiotics, enzymes, collagen, peptides, and vitamins. |
6. Recommended Use & Dosage
| Application | Suggested Inclusion Rate |
|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | 2–10% depending on sweetness target |
| Skincare Formulations | 0.5–5% as a humectant or stabilizer |
| Pharmaceutical Formulations | 1–10% depending on product type |
| Freeze-Drying / Biotech Use | 1–5% as cryoprotectant |
7. Specifications & Quality Standards (COA)
| Parameter | Specification | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | Visual |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥99% | HPLC |
| Loss on Drying | ≤1.0% | USP <731> |
| pH (1% solution) | 5.0–7.0 | USP <791> |
| Ash | ≤0.05% | USP <281> |
Pesticide Residue Limits
| Item | Limit (ppm) | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Organochlorine pesticides | ≤0.1 | GC-MS |
| Organophosphorus pesticides | ≤0.2 | GC-MS |
| Pyrethroids | ≤0.2 | LC-MS/MS |
Heavy Metals
| Metal | Limit (ppm) | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1.0 | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1.0 | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.5 | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 | ICP-MS |
Microbiological Tests
| Parameter | Limit | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | ≤1000 CFU/g | ISO 4833 |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤100 CFU/g | ISO 21527 |
| E. coli | Negative | ISO 16649 |
| Salmonella | Negative | ISO 6579 |
8. Packaging, Storage & Shelf Life
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Packaging: 25 kg net weight fiber drum or kraft paper bag with inner PE liner.
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Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from moisture and sunlight.
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Shelf Life: 24 months under recommended storage conditions.
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Samples: 50–200 g free samples available for formulation testing.
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MOQ: 25 kg (1 drum).
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Lead Time: 5–10 working days.
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Shipping: By air (DHL, FedEx) or sea (EXW/FOB/CIF available).
9. Certifications & Quality Assurance
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GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 22000 Certified
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Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO Verified
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Full COA, MSDS, and third-party testing reports available
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Traceable batch system and QC documentation
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Produced under strict microbial control and metal residue testing
10. Why Choose AIHerba® Trehalose Sugar?
✅ 28 years of plant extract & functional ingredient manufacturing experience
✅ In-house R&D and quality testing laboratory
✅ OEM/ODM formulation support for cosmetics & nutraceuticals
✅ Transparent sourcing and traceable supply chain
✅ Fast global shipping and responsive technical service
11. Common Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Trehalose natural or synthetic?
A: Our Trehalose is naturally produced from starch using enzymatic conversion — no synthetic chemicals are involved.
Q2: Is it safe for diabetic or keto diets?
A: Yes. Trehalose has a low glycemic index and does not cause rapid blood sugar spikes.
Q3: Can Trehalose replace sucrose in foods?
A: Yes, partially. It provides about 45% of sucrose’s sweetness but with better stability and less browning.
Q4: Is Trehalose suitable for vegan or Halal applications?
A: Absolutely. It is plant-derived and certified Halal and Kosher.
Q5: Does Trehalose have any side effects?
A: Trehalose is well-tolerated. High doses may cause mild digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.
12. Reference Studies
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Chen W et al. “Trehalose as a stabilizer in pharmaceutical formulations.” Pharm Res. 2017. PMID: 28525766
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Emanuele E. “Trehalose-induced autophagy and neuroprotection.” NIH – PMC. PMID: 29368512
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FDA GRAS Notice No. GRN 000155: Trehalose
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EFSA Journal (2007) 615: Trehalose safety evaluation
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US FDA GRAS Discover No. 000045: https://www.fda.gov/media/133663/download (Normally accessible by way of FDA GRAS Discover Stock)
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EFSA Panel on Dietetic Merchandise, Diet and Allergy symptoms (NDA) (2011). Scientific Opinion on the protection of trehalose. EFSA Journal, 9(4), 2073.
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Ohtake, S., & Wang, Y. J. (2011). Trehalose: present use and future functions. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 100(6), 2020-2053.
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Richards, A. B., et al. (2002). Trehalose: a evaluation of properties, historical past of use and human tolerance, and outcomes of a number of security research. Meals and Chemical Toxicology, 40(7), 871-898.
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Chen, A., & Gibney, P. A. (2022). Trehalose: A evaluation of biosynthesis, metabolism and capabilities. Carbohydrate Analysis, 108523.
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Collins, J., et al. (2022). Dietary trehalose and virulent Clostridioides difficile, a harmful liaison? The Lancet Infectious Ailments, 22(1), e1-e2. (Perspective on security debate)
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Sakaguchi, M., et al. (2015). Neuroprotective results of trehalose by means of autophagy induction in a mobile mannequin of Huntington’s illness. Neuroscience Letters, 595, 1-6. (Instance analysis space)
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The USA Pharmacopeia (USP) – Trehalose Monograph.
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European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) – Trehalose Dihydrate Monograph.
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Joint FAO/WHO Knowledgeable Committee on Meals Components (JECFA) – Specs for Trehalose.
13. Contact & Ordering Information
📧 Email: sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.aiherba.com
🏭 Manufacturer: Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.
📍 Factory Address: Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
Brand: AIHerba® | Your Trusted Natural Ingredient Partner Since 1996





