Sorbitan is produced through a dehydration process of sorbitol and this intermediate is esterified with a fatty acid. Depending on the degree of esterification, either Sorbitan Monostearate (SMS) or Sorbitan Tristearate (STS) is produced.
Sorbitan monostearate
GRINDSTED® SMS is Danisco's brand name for sorbitan monostearate (SMS).
Application areas for SMS
. In fine bakery GRINDSTED® SMS improves the cake volume, while it increasinges the survival on re-hydration in the production of dry yeast. For non-food purposes, SMS has good anti-fog properties.
Product examples:
- GRINDSTED® SMS-M
- Sorbitan Tristearate
The sorbitan tristearate (STS) molecule is very large and resembles to some degree triglyceride, making it fat-soluble.
GRINDSTED® STS is Danisco's brand name for STS.
Application areas for STS
The primary functionality is linked to its ability to prevent re-crystallisation in for example cooking oil and reduce sandiness in margarine. Also related to re-crystallisation, STS acts as a very good anti-blooming agent in chocolate.
Product examples:
- GRINDSTED® STS 30
- GRINDSTED® STS Q

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