• Weight Management

Exploring Sweeter Choices: What is Isomalt?

Medically reviewed and edited by Shanta Williams, APRN

Are you searching for a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth? Isomalt may be the right sugar alternative to help you get your fix without compromising your health goals.

Research shows that Americans are increasingly turning to nonnutritive sweeteners to satisfy their sugar cravings.

In addition, the global isomalt market is projected to surpass $1.6 billion by the end of 2030. But what makes this sugar substitute so popular?

If you need to create sweet confections that don’t spike your blood sugar or sabotage your weight-loss goals, keep reading to learn how you can use isomalt to make them.

What is Isomalt?

Isomalt is a versatile sugar substitute widely used in various culinary and confectionary creations.

It’s produced through a two-step enzymatic process during which sucrose (table sugar) is converted into isomaltose, which is then transformed into isomalt. It differs from traditional sweeteners like corn syrup due to its unique chemical structure.

Isomalt is a type of sugar alcohol called a polyol. Unlike the ethanol found in alcoholic beverages, which only has one hydroxyl group, polyols feature multiple hydroxyl groups attached to their carbon atoms.

Isomalt crystals provide a sugar-like sweetness with unique advantages.

What makes isomalt better than sugar?

Isomalt is known for its low impact on blood glucose levels and minimal calorie contribution, making it an ideal choice for those monitoring their sugar intake or trying to manage their weight.

At two calories per gram, it has approximately half the calories of table sugar, and it’s about half as sweet.

This unique attribute allows isomalt to be effectively paired with other sweeteners to tailor the sweetness profile of food as needed, enhancing its versatility as a sugar substitute in a wide variety of culinary applications.

What Does Isomalt Do to Your Body?

Once you know what isomalt does to your body from the moment it enters your mouth, you’ll understand why it’s a good artificial sweetener for people trying to watch their waistline or those searching for diabetic-friendly products.

Isomalt and oral health

Isomalt is known as a non-cariogenic sugar substitute. This means it doesn't contribute to dental caries, or cavities, which are small holes that can form in the teeth due to decay.

When we consume regular sugar, the bacteria in our mouth break it down and produce lactic acid. This acid erodes the protective enamel on our teeth, leading to cavities.

However, these bacteria are unable to break down isomalt, preventing the production of tooth-eroding lactic acid.

This property makes isomalt a tooth-friendly choice, especially in comparison to regular sugar.

Digestion and absorption of isomalt

When isomalt reaches the intestines, it's minimally digested. Humans don't have the specific enzymes needed to fully digest isomalt, making it a low-calorie artificial sweetener.

Unlike sugar, which is broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream, isomalt undergoes incomplete digestion.

This results in much of it passing through the small intestine and reaching the colon largely unchanged.

Isomalt in the colon

In the colon, native bacteria break down isomalt. This process generates sugars that attract water into the colon, potentially leading to softer stools.

Additionally, the bacterial digestion of isomalt produces gas, which can cause unpleasant side effects which we’ll discuss later.

Impact on weight and blood sugar

Isomalt's minimal absorption in the intestines means it doesn’t significantly impact blood sugar levels, placing it low on the glycemic index.

This characteristic, along with its lower calorie content compared to that of regular sugar, makes isomalt a popular choice for weight management and for those monitoring their blood sugar levels.

Is Isomalt a Healthy Sugar Substitute?

Isomalt is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a non-cariogenic sweetener, meaning it doesn’t contribute to tooth decay.

The FDA has also granted isomalt the status of “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), indicating that experts consider it safe for general consumption.

However, moderation is key, as excessive consumption can lead to stomach discomfort.

Isomalt, with its lower calorie content and negligible impact on glucose and insulin levels, is a suitable sugar alternative for those with diabetes or who need to manage caloric intake, offering a healthier choice that doesn’t spike blood sugar.

But isomalt isn’t just for people with diabetes; it’s also for those who are mindful of their sugar intake.

Current guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) suggest a daily added sugar limit of nine teaspoons for men and six teaspoons for women.

However, the average American adult's intake stands at about 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day.

Substituting regular sugar with alternatives like isomalt can help you adhere to AHA recommendations and maintain a healthier diet by reducing your overall sugar consumption.

What is Isomalt Used for?

Isomalt doesn’t readily dissolve in beverages, so if you’re searching for a tabletop sweetener to add to your tea and coffee, it may not be the solution for you.

Options like sorbitol and xylitol make better sugar substitutes in this case. Isomalt, on the other hand, is used mainly to sweeten foods and snacks.

No one should feel deprived of delicious treats — especially around the holiday season.

Here’s how you can use isomalt to create healthier treats for your loved ones who have diabetes or those who are watching their diet:

Candies and coatings

Isomalt is a popular choice in making chewing gum, candies, and their coatings. Thanks to its high resistance to humidity, candies made with isomalt can be stored for extended periods without losing quality.

This makes it an excellent substitute for corn syrup in many candy recipes.

Sugar-free candies for diabetics

Isomalt’s minimal effect on blood sugar makes it a great ingredient for producing sugar-free candies and snacks for people with diabetes.

Isomalt sticks can be used to create sweet treats that are safe for diabetic consumption, offering a tasty sugar alternative.

Cake decorations

In the realm of cake decorating, isomalt crystals or isomalt syrup can be used to create stunning, glossy decorations.

These can range from delicate flowers to complex geometric shapes, enhancing the visual appeal of cakes and other baked goods.

Its slow crystallization process makes it ideal for cake decorating and creating sugar decorations. Isomalt crystals allow for a smoother finish with fewer imperfections than regular sugar, making it perfect for intricate sugar art and sugar sculptures.

Candy gems

Isomalt can be molded into candy gems, offering a dazzling, crystalline appearance that's perfect for decorating desserts or as standalone sweet treats. These gems are a delightful alternative to traditional sugar-based confections.

Vibrant food coloring

Isomalt is compatible with food coloring, allowing for the creation of vibrant and colorful sweet treats. This property is particularly useful in sugar art, where bold and bright colors are often desired.

How Do I Use Isomalt?

To create edible sculptures or decorations with isomalt, you’ll need to follow a few steps.

First, prepare a mixture of raw isomalt and distilled water to achieve a wet-sand consistency. Heat this mixture in a stainless steel, nonstick pot to 333°F, stirring occasionally with a stainless steel or silicone spoon.

If desired, you can add food coloring while the mixture is hot.

Cool the mixture briefly in water to stop cooking, then pour it into a silicone dish or directly into a silicone mold to set. Once cooled, the isomalt can be molded by hand using gloves.

Isomalt and Safety Precautions

To ensure the safe use and consumption of isomalt, follow these safety guidelines:

1. High-temperature handling: Isomalt is heated to high temperatures (320–360°F) and becomes very sticky when melted. Always wear heavy-duty rubber gloves to protect your hands from the hot, sticky substance, which can cause severe burns. Consider using long gloves and sleeves for additional protection.

2. Repeated melting: Isomalt can be melted down multiple times without issue, as long as it doesn't burn. This makes it a flexible ingredient for various culinary applications.

3. Consumption caution: While isomalt is generally safe to consume, moderation is key. Overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. The recommended daily intake for adults is under 50 grams per day, and children shouldn’t consume more than 25 grams per day. However, individual tolerance can vary, so adjust accordingly to avoid side effects. Do not use as a replacement in baking.

What are the Side Effects of Isomalt?

While isomalt can be a beneficial sugar substitute, excessive consumption can lead to side effects. These include:

• Flatulence and bloating due to increased gas production from its fermentation in the gut

• Diarrhea and watery stools from isomalt’s water-retaining effects in the bowel

• Abdominal pain – especially in those with sensitive digestive systems

Where Can I Learn More About Sugar Substitutes Like Isomalt?

Are you looking for a better way to manage diabetes or thinking of switching to healthier sugar alternatives? Get expert help with LifeMD.

A team of healthcare professionals are dedicated to providing personalized treatment and prevention strategies.

Take the first step toward a healthier future with LifeMD and book your appointment today.

Shanta Williams, APRN

Shanta is a board-certified, multi-state NP who has worked in healthcare for over 14 years. She earned her M.S. in Family Nurse Practitioning. In 2020, she was one of the first Nurse Practitioners to assist with the COVID-19 outbreak in New York.

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