Consumers are continuing to lean towards purchasing food and beverage products with lower sugar content, however, they aren’t having to sacrifice sweet taste. This is all thanks to low calorie sweetener options that are either used by themselves or used in combination with a smaller amount of cane sugar. We source these functional sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, isomalt and stevia) to many food and beverage companies nationwide for a wide range of applications.
One of the sweeteners we offer, IsoMaltidex™ Isomalt, has been increasing in popularity due to its functionality and sweet taste. It’s been a while since we’ve talked about Isomalt on the blog, so we figured we’d give you a refresher. Whether you’re formulating a sugar-free candy or a low-calorie nutritional supplement, isomalt sugar is an ideal tool to help you meet your product goals.
What is Isomalt?
As stated on the Cargill website, Isomalt – a polyol derived from the hydrogenation of sugars – from sugar cane or beet – offers mild sweetness, while contributing important nutritive and functional properties. It’s ideal for creating great-tasting, reduced-sugars and no added sugars confectionery products. If you’re wondering what isomalt is used for beyond candy, it also plays a role in improving shelf stability, texture, and appearance in a wide range of applications.
What are some functional benefits of Isomalt?
Isomalt sweetener is often used in formulations where maintaining structure, gloss, and moisture control is critical — especially in confectionery applications.
Calorie and Sugar Reduction
IsoMaltidex™ has an energy value of 2.4 kcal/g, versus the 4 kcal/g energy value of full-calorie sweeteners.
Sugar-like
IsoMaltidex™ is a bulk sweetener with a very clean, sucrose-like taste profile and significant body and smooth mouthfeel.
Tooth Friendly
IsoMaltidex™ is non-cariogenic and does not contribute to tooth decay.
Non-Hygroscopic
Non-hygroscopic isomalt crystals do not absorb water, which is essential for hard candies and coatings, and can also contribute to extended shelf life.
What physical forms of Isomalt are available?
Isomalt is white, crystalline, and odorless. It is available in two forms: granular and powder. Granular is often used in hard candies and lozenges while powdered is most commonly used in bakery related applications. This versatility makes isomalt sugar suitable for high-heat processing and consistent results across production environments.
Is Isomalt Non-GMO?
Yes, the Isomalt we source from our manufacturing partner, Cargill, is a Non-GMO sugar substitute. It’s also recognized as safe by global regulatory bodies and approved for use in a variety of food systems.
What applications can Isomalt be used in?
Beverage
Looking for a low-calorie ingredient for a beverage? Isomalt could be your answer. Ideal for those who need to watch their sugar intake for diabetic, weight loss or even tooth sensitivity reasons, the use of isomalt as an alternative sweetener will certainly check the boxes as an ideal ingredient in fruit flavored drinks or sugar-free sodas.
Bakery/Confectionery
Structurally, this ingredient holds really well in heat and humidity making it ideal for decorative cake toppers, sugar-free (hard and chewy) candies, and chewing-gum. While it is often used as a sweetener, Isomalt can also be used as a glazing, bulking and anti-caking agent in ready-to-eat cereals, fruit spreads and even with frozen foods such as ice cream, fish, and meat products. Professional bakers often rely on isomalt sweetener to achieve intricate sugar decorations and lasting clarity in molded shapes.
Nutraceutical
As mentioned above with food applications, Isomalt is considered an anti-caking and bulking agent and can also be used in multivitamin and mineral supplements, pan-coated tablets, lozenges and cough syrups. Its stability and clean sweetness make it a preferred choice in functional health products where taste, texture, and performance all matter.
Explore Isomalt Solutions With Gillco
Whether you’re developing a clean-label product or need a stable sugar replacer for challenging conditions, isomalt sweetener offers functional benefits without sacrificing quality. Interested in isomalt as an ingredient for your product? Contact the experts at Gillco Ingredients and let’s talk about how we can help you find the right solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isomalt
What is isomalt made from?
Isomalt is derived from sucrose, typically sourced from sugar beets. Through a process called hydrogenation, it becomes a sugar alcohol that mimics the sweetness and structure of sugar with fewer calories and a lower glycemic response.
Is isomalt keto-friendly?
While isomalt is low in calories and glycemic impact, it is partially absorbed by the body, so it should be consumed in moderation on a strict keto diet. It’s often included in keto-friendly candy and gum due to its sugar-like texture and stability.
Is isomalt sweetener safe for children?
Yes, isomalt is considered safe for all age groups and is commonly used in sugar-free confections, including those marketed for children. Its tooth-friendly profile is an added benefit for younger consumers.
**Article source: Cargill