I saw a recent (or recently aired) episode of Cupcake Wars and one of the bakers was criticized for using Isomalt on a cupcake because it was a non edible decoration (or so they stated). I guess I was under the impression that it was edible? Anyone know for sure?

Maybe it's like those silver dragee things? - technically edible, but so hard you'd break your teeth on them?

That judge was WRONG. Isomalt is a sugar. It's completely edible, but yes, hard - like a sucker.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isomalt

Here's an article.
http://www.caloriecontrol.org/sweeteners-and-lite/polyols/isomalt

Thanks for the replies! Too bad that baker didn't know to stand more behind her work! I'm surprised that Judge was also incorrect and the other judges just nodded their heads when he said it?

If you look on the back of the Halls cough drops package...you'll see the first ingredient is isomalt.

As far as I know, sugar free cough drops and sugar free candies are all isomalt.

Now... as far as it being "edible". It is... but the flavor by itself isn't really pleasant. I buy citric acid and flavors for mine so they taste more like a hard candy.

Think about biting into a cupcake with a jolly rancher on top. It might be edible. But not necessarily "ideal".

I agree that putting hard candy on the top of a cupcake would not be very ideal. I really don't think that was what the judge was saying as her decorations were obviously to be taken off before biting into cupcake.

I don't even like to use sanding sugar on cupcakes because crunching on sugar irks me! Yikes!

Just watched this episode and the judge said you can get sick from isomalt.

I think I've ready somewhere that it had something to do with him being from France and their views on isomalt. Not sure though...

oh those back woods Frenchmen

I saw that same episode and it threw me for a loop. But Isomalt is just a sugar substitute made from beets. So of course it's edible

I sure hope it's edible...I ate a gem I made last weekend o_0 LOL, I believe it's just a different formulation of sugar for the most part.

I believe it is not to be used as a sugar substitute like say splenda because it can irritate the stomach if you eat more than a couple of ounces but for sugar jewels that shouldn't be an issue I'd think you'd break your teeth before you reached that limit.

Yours aye
Puss

I just finished watching that episode and was puzzled when he said that. I think he said, "it von't make you sick but, it is noit meant to be eaten" LOL

It's hard to tell with his accent but I think he said it's inedible but it CAN'T make you sick. Either way, he's wrong. This is the man who thinks a red velvet cake is nothing more than chocolate cake colored red. But he has a different POV, I guess.

Isomalt is edible, but should be eaten in small quantities, because as been stated on here, it can upset your stomach, give you gas and possibly give you diarrhea.

It's the same thing used in sugar free candies and if you read the packaging on those candies they will tell you not to eat a bunch of them at once.

In small doses you are fine and even some people probably wouldn't have issues. But it could be a issue for some.

Hi everyone!

I was trying to find some suggestions on how to make a miniature version of a shot glass for my daughters college graduation cake.

I've been reading this thread about isomalt and was wondering if any of you had any suggestions on how to use this or anything else to make "pint sized" shot glasses! They do NOT need to be edible - just decoration.

I'm new to using fondant, gum paste etc...but am attempting my first 3D figures for the graduation! 

Any thought or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! 

Thanks!

ALoripooky, you can make your shot glass out of rice krispys treats, Shape it then cover with fondan, hope this can get you started anyway. You also can look up photos of celebration cakes like New Year or other celebration type cake to get the design idea.

thank you TigerBaker!! I appreciate that option!! For whatever reason I totally blanked on looking at New Years Cakes! Thanks!!

I saw that episode and that "judge" wrongly asked her "did you know that Isomalt is NOT EDIBLE? and she looked very surprised at his criticism and she just replied: "No I did not"

that goes to show you that some people say a lie that sounds like the truth, people believe it. Even the other 2 "judges" agreed. WRONG!

It is EDIBLE. Besides ISOMALT was a pantry item. not that she brought it from home. 

AIsomalt is edible, but if you eat too much you'll get diarrhea, cha cha cha. It would be easy to make a shot glass out of it if you used a silicone mold. Make a mold of a real shot glass, then pour the isomalt into the mold and turn it so that the isomalt spreads out and coats the inside of the mold as the sugar cools off.

Thank you so much for the advice! I appreciate it!

It is edible, but if you eat lots and lots of it, it can give you distress at the end of the gastrointestinal tract.

Isomalt is edible, it is an "invert sugar: chemically the same as cane sugar but the molecules in the chain are arranged differently. It is made from beets, I believe. And I do know it will cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed in adequate quantity. In fact, I've considered using it to make lollipops for people who are constipated, such as hospital and nursing home patients. It takes flavor, color & shaping so well. Dry it lasts forever.  That said, it would take an amount equivalent to a tablespoon or more of the melted product to affect you, and then only a tad, unless you had a very sensitive GI tract. I saw that, too, and wanted to call FOUL ON YOU, JUDGE!!!

AND I FAILED TO MENTION - it has practically no calories and is safe for people with diabetes! Fascinating stuff.....