Translating the trend – technically
Translating this trend and overcoming a range of technical challenges, the experts at the BENEO-Technology Center have been working on a range of unique candy and gum applications to help demonstrate the potential for new confectionery coatings. Thanks to Isomalt’s unique technical characteristics, the sugar replacer can help manufacturers overcome various challenges and offer individual solutions.
Translucent coated chewing gum
Traditionally, creating gums with different colours, textures and flavours requires a lot of resources in terms of materials, energy, time and therefore cost. If using another sugar replacer that does not crystalize translucently like Isomalt, each different gum would need to be coated individually. However, thanks to the technical properties of Isomalt, it is possible to produce these in a much more efficient way, while achieving the same high quality.
Rather than using different coloured coatings to match the gum centres, manufacturers can instead develop unique sugar-free gum cores that deliver different taste, texture ‘crunch’ sensations and colour. Then, it is simply a case of just using one translucent coating, allowing the colourful core to be visible, while saving a huge amount time and money in comparison to the commonly used individual coating process.
BENEO’s new concept “ReMix” is a great example of this. Isomalt proved to be ideal when coating the different chewing gum cores at the same time, using one single syrup coating solution process. Finally, no gum Arabic was needed in the ReMix new concept trials, as Isomalt has good elasticity and flexibility after coating. It is also a stable coating that delivers excellent shelf life and, as Isomalt comes from sucrose, it has a sugar-like mild taste that enhances subtle flavours, without aftertaste or cooling effect.
Soft mint chewables with sanded coating
Confectionery with a sanded coating provides a natural looking artisan-style product that also allows for packaging in a paper bag or similar. This technology makes uniquely shaped gums possible, as only a thin coating layer is applied, compared to common coating technologies that blur and soften the edges of the candy. This coating does not require any new equipment and an excellent finished product can be achieved in less than an hour.
Versatile and exciting sensory candies and gums can be created using existing equipment, saving manufacturers both time and money. As consumer demands continue to shift and alter buying patterns across the confectionery sector in both the short- and long-term, it will be those manufacturers that are prepared to push the sensory boundaries that will give shoppers the excitement that they are looking for.
Learn more about coating solutions and discover our inspirational concepts.
