Isomalt

What is isomalt?

Isomalt is a sugar alcohol and belongs to the group of sweeteners. It is made from sucrose and has a sweet taste similar to sugar. Isomalt is often used in foods and beverages as a sugar substitute because it is less caloric than sugar and has a small effect on blood sugar levels. It is also used by diabetics because it has little effect on blood sugar levels. Isomalt also has the advantage that it cannot be broken down by caries bacteria, which enables its use in sugar-free chewing gums and candies.

Isomalt is a white crystalline substance used as a sugar substitute. The diabetic-friendly substance is tooth-friendly and is used in the industry, especially in the production of sugar-free sweets. In this article, the Ready to Bake team explains how to make creative cake decorations with the sugar substitute.

Artistic decoration with isomalt

Thanks to its unique properties, the sweetener is great for creating transparent sugar constructions. Edible glass or finely spun sugar threads are quickly created with a little patience. To create these sweet works of art, the sucrose must first be prepared. In most cases, the sweetener comes in small cubes that are easy to dispense.

The desired amount is now placed in a small stainless steel pot and melted at medium temperature. As an aid, you will need a preheated thermometer and a scraper made of silicone or stainless steel. The material melts from a temperature of 142° Celsius, but for use as an isomalt jar, you should heat the mass to 171° Celsius. Only at this temperature will the sweet mass cool to a rigid, glass-like mass.

However, color should be added at a temperature of around 80-82° Celsius. For easy integration of the color into the sugar substitute, the use of food or gel colors is recommended. In general, extreme caution is required when working with isomalt due to the high temperature and should only be carried out under adult supervision.

After heating, the still liquid sucrose is poured into flat baking tray lined with baking paper. The resulting disc can be worked with a rolling pin after cooling to create small or larger glass chips. you can also fill silicone molds with the liquid mass to obtain small, transparent shapes and figures.

Isomalt in different colors as well as molds made of silicone can be found in our online store.

What can you make from isomalt?

Isomalt is a sugar alcohol that is often used in the food industry to make sugar-free sweets, chewing gums and candies. It has similar properties to sugar, but is lower in calories and does not affect blood sugar levels as much.
Isomalt can be used to make various creative and decorative sugar crafts, such as:
1. Sugar figures: Isomalt can be used to cast or sculpt various shapes, figures or sculptures from melted sugar. These can be used as decorations on cakes or desserts.
2. Sugar bubbles: Isomalt can be melted and molded into a viscous mass, which can then be blown into bubbles. These can be used as decorative elements for desserts or as part of a table decoration.
3. Cotton candy: Isomalt can also be used to make sugar-free cotton candy. It has similar properties to sugar, so it can also be used to create easily melting strands.
4. Sugar Pearls: Isomalt can be used to make small, colorful sugar pearls. These can be used as decorations for cakes, cupcakes or desserts.
5. Sugar Crystals: Isomalt can be cooled into sugar crystals, which can then be sprinkled on cakes or desserts as edible decorations.
There are many other ways to use isomalt in food manufacturing, as it is a versatile ingredient. However, it is important to note that isomalt can have a laxative effect if consumed in excess.

Where can I buy Isomalt?

Isomalt can be purchased in many different stores:
- Pharmacies: Some pharmacies carry isomalt products, especially those used for medicinal purposes.
- Online stores: There are a variety of online stores that offer isomalt and other ingredients for food production. In the online store of miniSchoggi you can find a large selection of different Isomalt quantities for purchase.
- Specialty stores for food manufacturing and baking supplies: In some stores specialized in food manufacturing or in stores selling baking supplies you might find Isomalt. In Zurich, you can find the big bakery store of miniSchoggi in Adliswil, where you can buy Isomalt.

How and where to store Isomalt?

Isomalt should be stored in an airtight and moisture-proof container. It is important that no water or moisture gets into the container, as Isomalt is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air. It is advisable to store Isomalt in a cool and dry area to ensure a long shelf life. A cupboard or pantry is a suitable place for this. It is also important to keep Isomalt away from other foods and chemicals to avoid possible contamination.

How should I store finished products made from isomalt?

Finished products made from isomalt should be stored in an airtight container or sealed packaging to avoid moisture and humidity. Isomalt is hygroscopic, i.e. it attracts moisture from the environment and may become sticky or soft as a result. It should therefore be protected from moisture to ensure its shelf life. To extend shelf life, you can also place silica gel packs or a bag of rice in the container to absorb excess moisture. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or other heat sources.

How do I make a sugar figure from isomalt?

To make a sugar figurine from Isomalt, you will need the following materials and tools:
Materials:
- Isomalt (in powder or crystal form)
- Food coloring (if desired)
- Silicone molds or cookie cutters
- Baking paper or silicone mat
- Heat-resistant gloves or tongs
- Sugar thermometer
- Baking brush (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Step: Melt Isomalt
- Put the desired amount of Isomalt in a saucepan and heat it slowly over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Step 2: Monitor the temperature
- Monitor the temperature of the isomalt with a candy thermometer. The isomalt should reach a temperature of about 160-170 °C to be properly melted. Make sure it doesn't get too hot or it will turn brown and caramelize.
Step 3: Color the isomalt (if desired)
- If you want to make colored sugar figures, add a few drops of food coloring and mix well into the melted isomalt until the desired color is achieved.
Step 4.Step: Let cool
- Let the melted Isomalt cool for a few minutes until it becomes thicker and starts to thicken slightly. However, it should still be malleable.
Step 5: Shape the sugar figure
- Pour the still warm but thick Isomalt into the silicone molds or press it into the cookie cutters. Be careful not to burn your hands in the process. You can also make your own shapes out of Isomalt by pouring it onto a baking sheet covered with baking paper or silicone mat and shaping it with a cookie cutter or knife.
Step 6: Allow to harden
- Allow the sugar figure to cool completely and harden. This may take several hours depending on the size and shape.
7. Step: Remove the sugar figure
- When the sugar figure is completely hardened, you can carefully remove it from the silicone mold or baking paper.