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Pullulan

Pullulan suppliers and sourcing guide

Pullulan is a natural, water-soluble polysaccharide made of maltotriose units, produced by fermenting starch-derived sugars with the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. After fermentation the cells are removed and the pullulan is decolorized, purified, and dried to a white powder. It forms clear, oxygen-tight, flexible films. Brands buy it mainly as preformed capsule shells and as a film former for coatings, edible films and breath strips.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Pullulan polysaccharide · Poly-maltotriose · E1204
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of pullulan

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Pullulan powder

    Purified bulk polysaccharide for films, coatings and capsule manufacture.

  • Pullulan capsules

    Two-piece capsule shells made from pullulan, sold by capsule size; a common choice for vegetarian and organic-labeled supplements.

  • Film and strip grades

    Pullulan used to cast thin edible films for oral strips and wraps.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity
Identity by enzymatic hydrolysis with pullulanase and analysis of the resulting maltotriose, as in the FCC and pharmacopeial methods.
Viscosity
Viscosity of a 10% solution, which reflects molecular weight.
Mono-, di- and oligosaccharides
Residual low-molecular-weight sugars, kept low in purified material.
Loss on drying and pH
Moisture and pH of a solution against the specification.
Nitrogen and heavy metals
Residual nitrogen from fermentation and metals by ICP-MS.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, coliforms and Salmonella.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store powder and capsules sealed in a cool, dry place, ideally at controlled room temperature and moderate humidity. Capsules can soften in high humidity and become brittle when very dry, so keep them in their liners until use. Shelf life is set by the supplier, typically with retest of moisture and appearance.

Lots and expiry dates

Viscosity and moisture vary by lot, and capsule lots can vary in weight and moisture. Record lot moisture and, for capsules, size and color, and keep capsule lots in controlled humidity before filling.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 99 for pullulan, notified by Hayashibara International for use in food in general, closed on August 1, 2002 with FDA having no questions.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 7 CFR 205.605 lists pullulan among the nonsynthetic substances allowed in organic processing, for use only in tablets and capsules for dietary supplements labeled "made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))".

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists pullulan with non-medicinal purposes of binder, coating agent, encapsulating agent, film former and thickening agent.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Pullulan suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking pullulan suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of pullulan can brands buy?

Common forms include pullulan powder, pullulan capsules and film and strip grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for pullulan include?

Expect identity, viscosity, mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, loss on drying and pH, nitrogen and heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should pullulan be stored?

Store powder and capsules sealed in a cool, dry place, ideally at controlled room temperature and moderate humidity. Capsules can soften in high humidity and become brittle when very dry, so keep them in their liners until use. Shelf life is set by the supplier, typically with retest of moisture and appearance.

What is the regulatory status of pullulan?

FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 99 for pullulan, notified by Hayashibara International for use in food in general, closed on August 1, 2002 with FDA having no questions. 7 CFR 205.605 lists pullulan among the nonsynthetic substances allowed in organic processing, for use only in tablets and capsules for dietary supplements labeled "made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))". Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists pullulan with non-medicinal purposes of binder, coating agent, encapsulating agent, film former and thickening agent.

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