Beneo adds translucent gum coating

The Isomalt translucent coating technology offers new ways to create appealing gum products on existing production equipment, the company said.

Isomalt is claimed be the only sugar replacer that crystallises translucently. This means that the new technology allows multi-coloured gum centres to be coated in a crunchy and translucent way.

Gum coated with Isomalt has a fine, delicate crunch, excellent flavour release and it is not prone to chipping or cracking during production or transport, Beneo added.

Print and sparkle effects​

Extraordinary colours, as well as added print and sparkle effects are also now possible and are said to remain visible throughout the shelf-life.

Thomas Schmidt, marketing director at Beneo, said: “The chewing gum market is in need of fresh ideas to reignite sales and our translucent coating technology offers fantastic scope for new product innovation.​

“For the first time, multi-coloured centres can be made visible, leading to new visual possibilities in the market that will create excitement for the consumer and manufacturer alike.”​

Being the only sugar replacer derived from beet sugar, Isomalt has a sugar-like, mild sweet taste.

Low glycaemic​

It has received European Food Safety Authority health claims for both its low glycaemic and tooth-friendly characteristics.

The US Food and Drug Administration, meanwhile, has approved a dental health claim.

Beneo showcased the new technology alongside market samples from early adopters at ISM – the world's largest trade exhibition for sweets and snacks in Cologne last month.

Beneo is a division of the Südzucker Group, which employs 900 people and has production units in Belgium, Chile, Germany and Italy.