Isomalt · Sugar-Free Bulk Sweetener for Candy, Chocolate & Bakery (E953)
Isomalt (E953) is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used as a bulk sweetener and sugar replacer in sugar-free and reduced-sugar foods. It delivers clean sweetness with a mild cooling effect, excellent stability at high temperatures and low hygroscopicity—making it especially suitable for hard candy, boiled sweets, lozenges, chewing gum, sugar-free chocolate, bakery and compressed tablets. Because isomalt provides bulk and texture similar to sucrose (but with lower sweetness intensity), it is commonly paired with high-intensity sweeteners for sweetness matching. Atlas Global Trading Co. supplies isomalt in food-grade and pharma/tableting options (grade dependent) with COA, documentation and reliable global logistics.
Isomalt is often formulated with polyols (e.g., maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol) and high-intensity sweeteners to optimize sweetness, cooling effect, texture and cost. Explore the full Sweeteners portfolio or browse our Product Index (A–Z) for complementary sweeteners and functional ingredients.
E953 isomalt: stable polyol sweetener for sugar-free structure and gloss
Isomalt is widely used in sugar-free confectionery because it crystallizes and processes in ways similar to sucrose, while resisting moisture pickup. It supports clear, glossy hard candies and stable lozenges with reduced stickiness. Isomalt also offers good compatibility with flavors and acids, and it can help deliver “tooth-friendly” positioning where permitted. As with all polyols, excessive consumption may cause laxative effects—labeling requirements vary by market.
Key characteristics
- Ingredient type: polyol (sugar alcohol) bulk sweetener.
- E-number: E953 (isomalt).
- Sweetness: typically ~45–60% of sucrose sweetness (depends on grade and temperature); often paired with high-intensity sweeteners for sweetness matching.
- Heat stability: very good; suitable for boiled sugar-free candy and high-temperature processes.
- Hygroscopicity: low; supports reduced stickiness and better shelf-life in confections.
- Cooling effect: mild (generally lower than xylitol), supporting balanced sensory in candies and gums.
- Crystallization behavior: supports hard candy texture and lozenge structure (process dependent).
- Labeling & consumer information:
- Polyol; may require “excessive consumption may produce laxative effects” labeling in many markets.
- Carbohydrate and energy declarations depend on local nutrition regulations.
- Applications: sugar-free candy, lozenges, chewing gum, sugar-free chocolate, bakery, decorations, and tableting.
Atlas supports R&D teams in selecting isomalt grades optimized for boiling, molding, tableting and finishing, aligned with processing conditions and target markets.
Indicative specification points
Specifications vary by producer and grade. Typical parameters include:
- Assay / isomalt content: minimum % as specified.
- Moisture: controlled for flowability and stable processing.
- Reducing sugars / impurities: controlled to support color stability and taste.
- Appearance: white crystals or powder, free-flowing.
- Particle size distribution: defined per grade (boiling vs. tableting vs. powder).
- Bulk density: relevant for tableting and dosing.
- Color: low color for clear candy and white confections.
- Microbiological criteria: controlled per food ingredient standards.
Each batch is delivered with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and technical data sheet. Additional documents can include GMO status, allergen declarations, dietary suitability (vegan/vegetarian), Halal/Kosher where applicable and compliance statements depending on grade and producer.
Isomalt in sugar-free confectionery, gum, chocolate, bakery and tableting
Isomalt is a core ingredient for sugar-free confectionery thanks to its stability, low hygroscopicity and sucrose-like processing behavior. It is also used in bakery and pharmaceutical/nutraceutical tableting where compressibility and stability matter. Below are common application areas and formulation considerations.
Hard candy, boiled sweets & lollipops
- Supports clear, glossy sugar-free hard candy with reduced stickiness and good shelf stability.
- Compatible with fruit acids and flavors; process conditions (water content, cooking temperature) must be controlled.
- Often combined with high-intensity sweeteners to reach sucrose sweetness.
Lozenges & medicated candies
- Provides structure for compressed or cooked lozenges; supports low moisture uptake for longer shelf life.
- Used with acids, flavors and actives (vitamins, botanicals) depending on design.
Chewing gum & panned products
- Used in gum bases and coatings; offers mild cooling and stable sweetness.
- Works in panning and polishing systems for dragees and coated candies.
Sugar-free chocolate & fillings
- Used as a bulk sweetener in sugar-free chocolates and spreads; select appropriate particle size for mouthfeel.
- Often blended with other polyols to optimize sweetness, texture and processing.
Bakery & decorations
- Used for sugar-free baked goods and decorative pieces (pulled sugar / “isomalt art”) due to stability and clarity.
- Adjust recipe water and humectants to control texture and shelf-life.
Tableting & nutrition applications
- Tableting grades support compressibility for mints, nutraceutical tablets and chewables (process dependent).
- Used in instant beverage mixes and functional powders for bulk and sweetness balance.
Formulation guidance
- Sweetness balancing: isomalt is less sweet than sucrose—pair with high-intensity sweeteners to match sweetness.
- Moisture control: low hygroscopicity helps, but packaging and process control remain critical for confections.
- Cooling effect: tune sensory by blending with other polyols and flavors.
- Digestive tolerance: polyols can cause laxative effects at high intake; consider serving size and labeling rules.
- Acid compatibility: evaluate acid level and cooking profile to avoid processing issues and to optimize taste.
Choose the right isomalt grade for your process
Atlas can supply isomalt for boiling, molding, panning and tableting, and support system solutions with polyols, high-intensity sweeteners, flavors and acids. Share your application (hard candy/lozenges/gum/chocolate/tablets), process type and target sweetness—our team will propose suitable grades and documentation.
Discuss isomalt supplyQuality, documentation & global logistics for isomalt (E953)
Atlas Global Trading Co. works with qualified sweetener manufacturers and manages documentation and global logistics from Ankara, Türkiye, serving confectionery, bakery and nutrition customers worldwide.
Quality & documentation
- Supplied as food-grade isomalt (E953) with agreed specification for assay, moisture, particle size and impurities.
- Each batch delivered with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and technical data sheet.
- Documentation can include GMO status, allergen declarations, dietary suitability (vegan/vegetarian), Halal/Kosher where applicable and compliance statements (grade/market dependent).
- Production sites typically operate under recognized food safety systems such as HACCP and FSSC/ISO 22000 (producer dependent).
- Customers remain responsible for finished-product compliance, nutrition labeling and polyol labeling requirements in destination markets.
Packaging, storage & logistics
- Packaging options: bags, cartons or big bags with inner liners (producer dependent).
- Store in a cool, dry area in tightly closed original packaging. Protect from moisture and strong odors.
- Use FIFO inventory management; reseal opened packs promptly to maintain flowability.
- Shipments can be arranged under FOB, CFR, CIF or other agreed Incoterms, with export/customs and quality documentation coordinated from Ankara.
To receive a tailored offer, please share your application (hard candy/lozenges/gum/chocolate/bakery/tableting), preferred grade (boiling/tableting), annual volume, preferred packaging and documentation requirements (COA, Halal/Kosher where applicable, non-GMO, etc.) and destination markets. Our team will recommend suitable isomalt grades for your production.