The object of the present invention is to provide a powdery product
comprising crystalline .beta.-maltose monohydrate which is powderized by
spray method, and has a high-solubility in aqueous solvents and a
satisfactory handleability, and to its preparation and uses. The present
invention solves the above object by establishing a powdery product
comprising crystalline .beta.-maltose monohydrate which comprises 7%
(w/w) or more but less than 14% (w/w) .alpha.-anomeric maltose, and has a
crystallinity of 62% or more but less than 72%; a process for producing
thereof which comprises the steps of producing a massecuite from an
aqueous maltose solution comprising 86% (w/w) or more but less than 93%
(w/w) of maltose and 2% (w/w) or more of glucose, on a dry solid basis,
powderizing by a spray method, keeping in a relatively low humidity and a
relatively high temperature, and further keeping in a relatively high
humidity- and a relatively low temperature-condition; and uses thereof
for various compositions such as foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.