Rousselot, a gelatin and collagen supplier, has introduced SiMoGel, a new gelatin-based technology that they say can speed up the jelly thickening process to 5-10 minutes, depending on the mold used. There is currently no other technology on the market that allows jello to thicken in such a short time. The company claims this is a new “record” for production in a starch-free environment.
Typically, confectioners, especially for jellies, rely on a starch mogul, a machine that makes candy or candy fillings from syrups and jellies.
SiMoGel replaces traditional starch moguls with silicone or blisters. Rousselot says this model will be profitable for confectioners.
SiMoGel, designed to help confectioners make starch-free gelatin, first appeared in 2017 and is used with pork or cow gelatin. Since then, Rousselot has been working to advance the starch-free thickening technology, testing it with British engineering company Baker Perkins, which offers process systems and equipment to the confectionery and bakery industry worldwide.
Starch-free thickening is becoming increasingly popular as it is more hygienic and much quicker than the usual 24 hours required for the starch process.
For nearly 1,000 years, gelatin was molded using starch mold, but with the advent of nutraceutical and medical gelatin, it has become more difficult to use and process starch. Starch-free thickening in silicone or metal is a clean and hygienic manufacturing process. However, making gelatin candy in this environment was not so easy. This mold, unlike starch mold, cannot be easily separated from the machine, and gelatin candies must thicken for 24-48 hours before further processing. Therefore, many saturated candies were made without gelatin, and they did not have the unique composition and aftertaste that gelatin has.
Saturated candy segment
With SiMoGel, cross contamination between industrial series can also be avoided. Reduced thickening time allows more product to be produced in a shorter time and at a lower cost.
Previously, starchless thickening was limited by the fact that it required an extremely long time. By reducing it, producers can reduce the impact of other lines and increase production.
In addition, there is a growing interest in healthy products around the world. This trend will give a major boost to the saturated candy segment. When it comes to getting children to take vitamins or specific nutrients, pills may not be the easiest solution. Saturated candy can mask the bad taste of vitamins or fish oil.