TREHA® Trehalose (Japanese: トレハロース; Chinese: 海藻糖) is a naturally occurring disaccharide found in foods like mushrooms and yeast. Only 38% as sweet as sucrose, it is a low-sweetness, plant-based sugar prized for its ability to extend freshness and improve food stability. Produced in Japan, TREHA® is GRAS-designated, Kosher, Halal-certified, and non-GMO.

Why Use Trehalose?

Trehalose supports the integrity of food by:

• Retaining moisture, improving texture, and reducing dryness

• Protecting protein structures for better mouthfeel

• Stabilizing color, flavor, and structure through freeze-thaw cycles

• Masking off-notes and odours, especially in plant-based or fortified foods

Functional Properties

• High heat and acid stability – ideal for cooking and processing

• Non-reducing sugar – does not brown via Maillard reaction

• Low hygroscopicity – resists clumping, excellent flowability

• High glass transition temperature – helps extend shelf life

Key Benefits

Freshness & Shelf Life

• Improves moisture retention

• Enhances freeze-thaw stability

• Helps maintain visual appeal (e.g., fruit and glaze color)

Texture

• Adds crispness to snacks and shells

• Promotes smoothness in custards, creams, and frozen desserts

• Supports longer shelf life of baked goods

Flavor

• Masks bitterness, metallic, and vitamin off-notes

• Enhances certain flavours (e.g., citrus)

• Reduces unpleasant aromas in seafood or fortified foods

Health Attributes

• Low glycemic and insulinemic impact

• Low cariogenicity (tooth-friendly)

How to Use

Trehalose can partially replace sugar in both sweet and savory recipes. It’s especially effective in formulas where moisture, texture, or stability is a concern. Usage level depends on the application and desired outcome; typically more is used in sweet preparations.

Suggested Applications

• Baked goods & snack products

• Custards, mochi, and frozen desserts

• Fruit & vegetable processing

• Meat, seafood, and plant-based items

• Sushi rice, sauces, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals

Product of Japan