Top Uses of Glucono Delta-Lactone (GDL): Tofu, Cheese-Making, and Natural Food Additive

Glucono Delta-Lactone, also known as gluconolactone or GDL, performs different functions and provides a variety of benefits for the food industry. GDL is a white, odorless crystalline powder that can be used as a protein coagulant, acidifier, expander, preservative, seasoning, chelating agent, or color preserver. GDL is commonly found in cheeses, minced meats, salad dressings, and bakery products. Because GDL has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, it can be surprising when you find it in the ingredient list. GDL provides gentle acidity and is used as an enzyme substitute in cheese processing, tofu, and cooked meat manufacturing.
If you are looking for a slow-release acidulant or a product with less tartness, then Glucono Delta-Lactone is the product for you.

Using GDL in Food

Have you ever thought about the variety of stages it takes to create a cohesive dish? Baking, for example, is known to be challenging due to the precise measuring required to achieve great flavors.

Bread can be difficult to make. However, a good way to form bread is by using GDL and baking powder together to increase the dough volume and make the bread rise. In this case, the ingredients act as leavening agents. There are steps to follow when creating bread with GDL. Make sure you measure the correct ratio when mixing the ingredients and knead the dough until it is soft.

As for meats, GDL is used as an acidity regulator and a color enhancer. Glucono Delta-Lactone is also useful as a preservative in meats, helping the product have an extended shelf life.
When you look at a finished dish, the first thing you notice is the colors on the plate. GDL provides bright colors and helps keep them stable.

GDL is primarily used to create cured, fermented sausages. For cheese, GDL is used as a coagulant for milk proteins. GDL is recommended to be stored in its unopened original packaging and protected from wide variations in temperature and humidity.

GDL has many useful functions in the food industry that help stabilize, preserve, and enhance dishes. When combined with other ingredients, GDL is a great source and can be beneficial for a variety of foods such as meats, cheeses, and bakery products.

Shop Now!