Multi-colored glass balls and blue waves, on which the brigantine sways, weightless butterflies and enchanting flowers decorating cakes... It's hard to believe, but isomalt made it possible to bring all this to life. What is it and is there any benefit from it other than aesthetic? We will try to tell you about this double processing product and find out what advantages and disadvantages it has.

What is this?

Isomalt, also called palatinite (isomaltite), is a low-calorie carbohydrate found naturally in bee honey and sugar-containing plants such as cane, beets, and others. This sweetener tastes like sucrose, and outwardly resembles granulated sugar: the same odorless white crystalline particles, easily soluble in water.

When did he appear?

In the late 50s of the last century, almost by accident, in the process of obtaining dextrans (polysaccharides) from sucrose, Stodola discovered such a by-product of production as isomaltite. In 1990, this sweetener was considered safe and approved for use in the United States. Then its safety and the possibility of daily use was confirmed by the WHO Joint Committee of Experts on Food Additives and the EEC Scientific Committee of Food (Scientific Committee on Products of the European Community). After that, in most countries, its widespread use in the food and pharmacological fields of production began.

Beneficial features

Thanks to the many scientific studies carried out, it is possible to answer the question with confidence: "Isomalt - what is it and how useful is it?"

1. Unlike the usual sugar, palatinite is a dietary and low-calorie product. 1 g of isomaltite contains only 2.4 kcal.

2. This substance is a prebiotic, which acts as an agent capable of creating a feeling of satiety and fullness in the stomach. In addition, the gradual processing and assimilation of isomaltite contribute to the preservation of strength and energy for a long time.

3. Low - from 2 to 9 - makes isomalt products affordable for people suffering from diabetes. With its use, there is no rapid increase in the amount of glucose in the blood, and, accordingly, there are no sharp jumps in insulin and sugar levels.

4. Due to the complex chemical reactions that occur during the production of this sweetener, it is not a source of nutrition for bacteria that multiply in the oral cavity, and for this reason it does not contribute to the development of caries.

Small cons

During the research, scientists sought not only to answer the question of isomalt - what it is, but also to identify all possible negative consequences of its use. As it turned out, there are not so many negative effects. First of all, at the very beginning of taking this sweetener, many people experience diarrhea and flatulence, especially if taken immediately in large doses. If you introduce isomaltite into the diet in small portions, gradually, then you can prevent the appearance of such unpleasant symptoms.

Isomalt for diabetics

Due to the fact that palatinite is rather poorly absorbed by the villi on the intestinal walls and does not cause a significant increase in sugar and insulin levels, it has found wide application in the production of products intended for diabetics and those who adhere to the principles of a healthy diet. Today soft drinks, dairy products, juices, confectionery and isomalt candies are produced. Such products can be eaten not only by diabetic patients, but also by those who seek to adhere to diets and natural nutrition. In addition, it goes well with most flavors and favorably emphasizes the taste of a natural product.

Confectionery "things"

Today, isomalt is often used to decorate a variety of products. What it is, you do not need to explain to professional confectioners, as they are happy to use this substance to decorate cakes, muffins, cupcakes and sweets. Placed on roasted or caramel, palatinite not only “holds” its shape, but also retains its volume. In addition, cakes or sweets made with isomaltite do not stick together and can be packed in one package. Viscous, malleable and flexible, able to take any shape, isomalt caramel allows you to make the most incredible shapes, as well as resistant to high temperatures and not sticky to your hands.

How is it made into jewelry?

Confectioners make wonderful decorations from isomaltite for their products, but you need to be very careful when interacting with it.

So how is isomalt used? The method of preparation of raw materials for confectionery and other products:

1. Mix the sweetener and filtered or distilled water in a small stainless steel saucepan.

2. Put the mixture on the stove, turn on medium heat and bring to a boil.

3. On one side of the pan, you need to fix a special confectionery thermometer so that its ball is immersed in boiling syrup, but does not touch the bottom.

4. After the temperature of the composition boiling in the pan reaches 167 ° C, it must be removed from the stove. Despite the fact that the solution has been removed from it, it will continue to rise.

5. After it drops to +60 ° C, you can put on silicone or latex gloves and start working with the resulting mass.

Isomalt confectionery sugar is actively used in the creation of desserts, most often for their decoration. If you do not yet know what isomalt is, then you should get to know each other better and understand what opportunities it holds in itself.

What is isomalt?

The first mention of isomalt dates back to 1956: as a minor product, it was obtained from sucrose during the synthesis of dextrans. It prevents clumping, caking of products containing it, and can act as a glazing agent.

A substance is produced, also called isomaltite or palatinite, in the form of white crystals, it is a low-calorie carbohydrate of a new generation, has no smell, has a smooth sweet taste, low moisture capacity, and is easily soluble in water.

Isomalt source - 100% vegetable raw materials. The product of natural origin is obtained from sucrose isolated from starch, sugar beet, cane, honey. Release form - powder, granules or grains of various sizes.

Isomalt E953 (designation assigned to a substance within the food supplement system) has been widely used as a safe product in the United States since 1990 - experts have given approval for its daily use in unlimited quantities. In addition, the isomalt sweetener is used in 90 countries around the world.

How is isomalt different from regular sugar?

Isomalt sugar provides a uniform supply of energy to the body, avoiding sharp jumps in blood glucose levels. The effect of the sweetener on the digestive system is similar to dietary fiber - the supplement promotes more active functioning of the intestines.

The process of assimilation of isomaltite proceeds more slowly compared to the breakdown of sugar. Unlike a traditional sweet product, the additive does not contribute to the development of caries, having a neutral effect on tooth enamel.

Isomalt has probiotic properties, regulating the balance of microorganisms in the intestinal tract. It has a beneficial effect on health, contributing to the development of the microflora of the body, creating a feeling of fullness in the stomach.

Isomalt - harmful or beneficial?

Due to the low calorie content of isomalt, products containing it are considered dietary and will be suitable for consumers who prefer a healthy diet and those who seek to lose weight, maintain consistency or limit their gain.

Isomalt is indispensable in diabetes due to poor absorption by the walls of the intestinal tract. People suffering from this disease can use isomalt sweets, pastries, and other sweet delicacies without damage to health.

In pharmaceutics, instead of sugar, isomalt is introduced into the composition of syrups and other medicines, making them suitable for use in chronic metabolic disorders.

When it comes to nutritional supplements, the question involuntarily begs the question, what will bring the body more eating isomalt - harm or benefit?

It will not be superfluous to control the intake of a universal sweetener: a daily dose of 25 g of pure palatinite for children and 50 g for adults is considered safe. Excessive passion for isomalt can be accompanied by allergic reactions, cause nausea, provoke vomiting, bloating, diarrhea.

With extreme caution, isomalt-containing products and medicines should be taken by people with certain genetic diseases, pregnant women in the early, late periods, in the presence of serious abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. In certain cases, the use of isomalt should be abandoned.

Isomalt in confectionery

Isomalt gained wide popularity in the confectionery industry for the manufacture of caramel (soft and hard), grillage, various dragees, ice cream, chocolate, chewing gum due to the ability to give products volume, moderately sweet taste, and the necessary structure.

The technological advantages of using the E953 additive are obvious: when exposed to high temperatures, the products do not soften, which means that when wrapped in a common package, no additional wrapping materials need to be used.

When tasting a product with isomalt sugar substitute, it is almost impossible to distinguish it from a sugar-containing product in terms of taste. The organic compound allows you to give the product any shade of sweetness, emphasizing the most delicate flavors.

Confectionery isomalt is well known to craftsmen who are fond of creating original decorations for confectionery products (mainly cakes) in the form of flowers, various sugar figurines. The substance prevents cracking of edible decorative products.

Isomalt is often sold in the form of crystals or sticks, sometimes you can buy ready-made isomalt figurines.

In the following video you can see how isomalt jewelry is made:

Isomalt Sticks Get Sassie

A new trend in confectionery art - Get Sassie isomalt sticks, more and more win the hearts of confectioners, allowing them to create amazing decorations for their products. Cakes, desserts, ice cream decorated with isomalt figurines look very impressive and unusual.

When heated, isomalt melts, turning into a plastic mass. When frozen, isomalt decorations look like glass, they shimmer beautifully in the light and give desserts a special gloss.

Get Sassie isomalt sticks (often referred to as Get Sassie sugar sticks) are sold in sets of 10 assorted colors. This is very convenient, since there is no need to spend extra time on giving the isomalt the desired color.

At Get Sassie, you can choose sticks of both the same color and multi-colored ones. They do not crystallize, do not lose their color when heated, do not burn.

How to work with Get Sassie Isomalt?

To save time and make it easier to work with isomalt, Get Sassie has developed a special hot caramel gun Sassie Shot, which has become a real boon for pastry chefs.

With it, creating original figures is very simple. The gun heats up in 5 minutes, an isomalt stick is inserted into it, which, under the influence of high temperature, melts and flows out in the form of liquid caramel.

Thanks to two temperature levels, isomalt can be melted to the consistency of water or viscous honey. A more liquid consistency is suitable for casting figures in molds, a more viscous one is ideal for gluing parts and creating decorations.

The caramel gun is completely safe: the confectioner will not get any burns, as is often the case when melting isomalt in the microwave.

New professional developments by Get Sassie in working with isomalt greatly simplify the work of the confectioner and provide unlimited opportunities for creativity when decorating their sweet masterpieces. Isomalt in the form of chips, premix and sticks is presented in our catalog.

Those who decide to lose weight or just lead a healthy lifestyle do not have to give up cakes and chocolates. And all thanks to science, which invented sweeteners. Such a discovery is especially useful for people with diabetes, because artificial analogues not only protect the figure, but also do not increase the glycemic index. "Artificial" in this case also means "unnatural" or "harmful". For example, food supplement E953 is 100% herbal, sweet, but does not increase blood sugar levels.

Features of the E953 additive

A food additive under the European index E953 is also defined under the names: isomalt, palatinite, isomaltite. These are sweet crystals of various sizes, colorless and odorless, sometimes the additive is in the form of a loose powder. Isomalt is present in some sugar-containing plants: reed, bee. In 1956, scientists for the first time separated this substance from, resulting in a product with the taste of ordinary sugar, but more beneficial for the body.

It was recognized as absolutely safe only in 1990, after which the additive began to be used in all countries. Today, palatinite is mined in the laboratory from the same natural raw materials, the production involves several stages. First, the bond with is broken in the sucrose molecule, after which hydrogen molecules are attached to fructose. As a result of fermentation, a substance with the chemical formula C12H24O11, or simply isomalt, is obtained.

Despite the chemical laboratory stages of obtaining E953, this nutritional supplement is considered safe for the body, and in many ways it is much healthier than the usual sugar. Isomaltite crystals dissolve in water just as well, the product is suitable for use in cooking and at home. Compared to regular sugar, palatinite is still less sweet, it can be from 40% to 60% of the sweetness of regular sugar.

In addition to the food industry and home use, E953 is used in pharmaceuticals. Due to the high melting point (1450C) and taste, this substance is used in tableting medicines to improve the taste. Scientists have also found that isomalt improves the structure of tooth enamel, so it is often included in oral care products. In pharmaceuticals, E953 meets all the necessary standards: suitable for all patients, chemically stable, not of animal origin, cost-effective.

Application of E953 in cooking and food industry

In the food industry, conventional sugar may be substituted for cost savings or to create a specific group of products, such as foods for people with diabetes. From a financial point of view, the use of palatinite as a substitute for sugar does not make sense, since even ordinary sugar will cost the manufacturer cheaper. But for creating dietary products, it is great.

This additive is used not only as a sweetener. In addition to sweetness, it also has other useful properties, with its help, products are given the necessary shape, and E953 also acts as a light preservative that extends the shelf life of the product, like regular sugar. It also regulates acidity, resists clumping and caking, due to the high melting point, products with this additive do not stick to hands, do not spread and keep their shape, do not crumble from temperature changes.

You can meet this supplement in such products:

• , bars and sweets;
• hard and soft caramel;
• confiture;
• dry breakfasts;
• chewing gum;
• sauces, etc.

At the same time, products sweetened with isomalt do not have cloying, since this substance is not as sweet as sucrose or fructose. It is mainly used in food products for diabetics and low-calorie dietary products (for weight loss, sports nutrition). Given the safety and some advantages of palatinite over other analogues, such products will be useful to any group of consumers.

Manufacturers appreciate the additive because it pairs well with natural and synthetic flavors, as it is odorless on its own and brings out other flavors.

In cooking, E953 is more popular as a material for all kinds of decorations for cakes, pastries, homemade candies, etc. A viscous substance is obtained from isomaltite crystals, from which it is then easy to obtain any form for decoration. Unlike ordinary sugar, this substance does not caramelize, that is, it remains transparent and clean without changing color. Jewelry elements that did not work out can be re-melted and remade, so working with such material is very simple.

This sweetener is also used by chefs and confectioners for presentations, creating artistic elements for dessert or second courses. The advantage of this decor is that it is edible and safe. Chefs of molecular cuisine are especially fond of isomaltite, with its help they encapsulate vegetable oils, create transparent edible vessels that are filled with berry foam, shavings, and sometimes smoke for a spectacular presentation. In addition to haute cuisine, recipes with isomalt for home use are popular.

The effect of isomalt on the body

As we have already noticed, if the product contains the additive E953, this does not mean anything bad. The sweetener in many ways even surpasses the properties of ordinary sugar, while it is useful not only for diabetics or athletes, but also for other consumers. To date, the use of this substance in food production has been approved by the following organizations:

• EEC Scientific Committee of Food (EU Scientific Committee on Food);
• WHO (World Health Organization);
• JECFA (Joint Committee on Food Additives).

In many countries around the world, isomaltite is approved for use, some of them do not establish restrictions and allowable doses. However, doctors' reviews still recommend using this supplement in moderation, as it enhances intestinal motility. The recommended dose for an adult is 50 g per day, and for children under 25 g.

For 60 years of using this substance, scientists have had enough time to study in detail its effect on the body. So the benefits and harms of E953 were established.

Of the useful properties are:

• due to the low glycemic index does not cause sharp fluctuations in blood sugar;
• provides a surge of strength, since energy is released gradually and for a long time;
• improves intestinal motility;
• reduces appetite, prolonging the feeling of satiety;
• strengthens tooth enamel;
• improves the microflora of the stomach;
• in moderation improves digestion.

It is worth limiting the use of E953, since its beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract is due precisely to moderate doses. The scientific journal British Journal of Nutrition has published the results of studies on the effect of isomalt on digestion. It turned out that the substance is well tolerated by the body, does not impair metabolism, improves bowel function and can be used to promote health. However, an increase in intestinal motility can cause diarrhea and flatulence with the uncontrolled use of this supplement.

This sweetener suppresses appetite because the human body perceives it as a fiber, unlike regular sugar, which is recognized in our body as a carbohydrate. Due to this, the substance acts as a dietary fiber, which swells and fills the stomach (ballast), from which the feeling of hunger disappears. This quality is especially appreciated by people who follow a diet for weight loss.

For a long time, the question of the effect of palatinite on tooth enamel remained controversial: how can sweet not destroy it? In the course of observations and studies, it was found that the supplement does not really cause caries. In the oral cavity, it reduces the acid content, thereby increasing the amount of calcium. In addition, unlike sugar and many of its substitutes, isomalt cannot be a source of food for bacteria. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines products with E953 as "not causing caries".

Where to buy and how to apply

Of the side effects from the use of this supplement, only the risk of diarrhea and an allergic reaction has been identified. Such consequences can only occur if E953 is misused. There are no strict contraindications to its use, but in some cases it is necessary to consult a doctor before use (pregnant women, severe gastrointestinal diseases, failure of internal organs).

People with diabetes need to use this substitute only in the dose prescribed by the doctor. This also takes into account the proportion of products containing this component. For those who are losing weight, athletes and people who want to give up regular sugar, you should not get too carried away with such an additive, it is more useful than the usual refined sugar, but only in moderation. For children without special need, it is better not to introduce nutritional supplements into the diet, and if necessary, do not exceed the allowable rate (20 g per day).

You can buy E953 in online stores, here you can order almost any quantity: from bulk purchases to 300-gram packages. In grocery stores, such a substitute is rare, but dietary products with it are a sea. Also, sometimes such products are available in pharmacies, in the form of dragees or powder, in a crumbly form it is more convenient, since it can be used for diet desserts, homemade chocolate and drinks.

From what we have learned about this supplement, we can conclude that it is safe for health, suitable for diabetics, children, athletes and everyone else who wants to stay healthy and fit.

Such a substance as isomalt can be found in the composition of many products, including those that are dietary. This article describes what isomalt is, the benefits and harms of this product, as well as the features of working with it in the process of preparing confectionery.

Product Description

Isomalt is a low-calorie plant-based sugar substitute. It is found in cane, sugar beet, honey and is usually sold as small white crystals, although it can also be found in the form of colored, candy-like sticks.
The substitute is sweet in taste, but at the same time it contains 2 times fewer calories than sugar. It is odorless, lends itself well to coloring with gel or powder dyes. Products with isomalt withstand temperature changes, do not crack or stick together, so they can be stored and transported in a common package without losing their appearance.
If you know what isomalt is, then the benefits and harms of this product become obvious.
Isomalt benefits:

• Safety for the figure (subject to the consumption rate).
• Compliance with the rules of healthy eating.
• No negative impact on tooth enamel (does not provoke caries).
• Good acceptance by the body.

It is important to remember that the daily dose of isomalt should not exceed 50 g for an adult and 25 g for a child. Uncontrolled consumption of a substitute can lead to problems with the digestive system. Pregnant and insulin-dependent people should consult their doctor before using a substitute.

The use of isomalt in confectionery

Some confectioners are wondering: "What is confectionery isomalt and how to work with it?". To prepare this product for work, it must be poured into a saucepan with a thick bottom and melted over low heat. Bring to a boil, but do not boil, otherwise the mass will become cloudy. Then remove from heat, cool a little and pour into molds (when making decor) or add to other ingredients of the future dessert.

Isomalt storage

Knowledge of what confectionery isomalt is will be incomplete without information about the features of its storage. Both the substitute itself and products made from it must be stored in a dry place at room temperature. It is better not to put it in the refrigerator - with high humidity, it loses its qualities and appearance.

In CondiPRO you can buy isomalt in tightly closed jars weighing 100 and 500 grams. Banks of 500 grams have a seal (foil insert under the lid) and a measuring spoon for convenience. Delivery of isomalt and others is possible in St. Petersburg, Russia and the entire CIS.

Some women, wanting to lose weight, try to replace sugar in their diet with various sweeteners. This desire is based on the fact that sweeteners contain less, and, accordingly, fewer calories.

One of the most popular sweeteners is isomalt, about the harm and benefits of which you can find conflicting information. Sweets manufacturers widely use this sweetener, because in addition to its sweet properties, it is also a preservative that prevents caking and clumping. In addition, it is used as a filler and glazing agent.

Isomalt sweetener properties

Isomalt sweetener (E953) is a natural sweetener. It occurs naturally in sugar beet, sugar cane, and honey, from which it is isolated. Most researchers are convinced of the safety of this sweetener, as it belongs to natural products. However, there is an opinion that with frequent use, the isomalt sweetener will be harmful: it will negatively affect the state of the gastrointestinal tract.

In terms of taste, isomalt resembles sucrose, but has only half of its sweetness. This sweetener is poorly absorbed by the intestinal walls, so the use of isomalt in diabetes is allowed.

This sweetener belongs to the group of low-calorie organic compounds. It is 240 units per 100 g, unlike sugar, the calorie content of which is 400 units. However, it should be borne in mind that to obtain a sweet effect, it requires more than sugar. Therefore, in the end, the body will receive almost the same number of calories as when eating sugar.

Unlike sugar, isomalt molecules do not promote the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. Therefore, this sweetener does not cause tooth decay. The fact that it is a prebiotic also speaks in favor of the use of isomalt. Like plant fiber, isomalt works as a dietary fiber to help keep you feeling full. Energy from isomalt is extracted gradually, so there are no sudden spikes in sugar in the body.

The harm of isomalt can be felt when it is consumed in large quantities. However, this is true for many other products as well. When consumed in moderation, isomalt will help make life sweeter without causing any harm.