Malt extract, derived from malted barley, plays a crucial role in various industries, providing unique flavors, aromas, and essential nutrients. This article delves into the use and functionality of liquid and dried malt extract, exploring their applications across diverse sectors.

The main difference between liquid and dried malt extract has to do with the shelf life of the products. Dried malt extract is easier to handle and has a much longer shelf life as liquid malt extract.

When you tell someone about malt extract, the first reaction will be that it has something to do with beer. That is true, but malt extract is an ingredient with many functionalities in as many different industries as well.

Within the (home) brewing industry liquid malt extract is used as a replacement for malted barley. It shortens the production time for the brewer. Another application with the brewery is when the wort doesn’t have enough body to ferment, they add malt extract. The fermentation needs the sugar to create the alcohol. With both liquid malt extract and dried malt extract you influence the flavor profile and alcohol content of the final product.

Another market that utilizes malt extract is the beverage industry. In many countries malt drinks are very popular. They are produced in the original version but there are also many varieties with fruit flavors. The other part of this industry are the non-alcohol beer types which are produced in countries where the brewing of beer is not allowed.

One of the biggest markets for malt extract is the food industry, especially in the baking sector, but also in the following industries:

• Confectionary
• Breakfast Cereals
• Instant Soup and Sauces
• Ice Cream
• Readymade meals
• Savory food items
• Dairy
• Food supplements
• Meat replacers

The functionality of malt extract in these markets is very diverse.
The main functionalities are:

• Texture
• Appearance
• Taste

Texture

When malt extract is used the texture of the baked products will improve. It homogenizes all ingredients and improves the layering of the final product. It also helps the yeast to add more air to the final product. Beside this, it helps to improve the shelf life of the product. It is a good humectant which make sure that the baked products stay longer fresh.

Appearance

Malt extract is giving the final product it’s best appearance possible. With baked goods it will give a very nice golden color. If you have malt extracts that are rich in colour, this will give the final application a better appearance, otherwise the taste of the applications will change.

Taste

The taste of the final applications with the inclusion of malt extract will have a rich malty flavor, but it will also improve the taste of the other ingredients. It will pronounce all flavors well without the overwhelming sweet taste when you are using other natural sweeteners.

Beyond these functionalities, malt extract serves as a natural source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. In the pharmaceutical industry, malt extract is used as a nutrient source in the production of liquid medications and dietary supplements. It also helps mask the bitter taste of many active ingredients in tablets and capsules, acting as a binding agent in pharmaceutical formulations.

One of the most surprise markets who are using malt extract is the cosmetic and skincare industry. As malt extract is a product which can hold moisture very well, it is seen as a humectant. In lipstick it will keep the lip moist, but also in other cosmetic products it will add moisture to the skin.

The last but more well know market for malt extract is the petfood industry. It has proteins and carbo hydrates which are used in pet food for small animals and fishes. Especially in cat food and treats, malt extract is a common ingredient. It helps the cat to digest the hairballs better. Even in horse feed malt extract is used. Besides the nutricial values, malt extract improves the palatability of animal feed. The sweet taste makes sure that many animals like the products which are made with malt extract.

Strong points of liquid and dried malt extract:

Versatility: Both liquid and dried malt extract can be used across various industries, demonstrating their adaptability.

Nutritional Value: Both forms offer a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Shelf Stability: Dried malt extract, in particular, has a longer shelf life and is easy to store and transport.

Flavor Enhancement: Liquid malt extract enhances the flavor and aroma of food and beverages, making it a preferred choice in the culinary world.

Ease of Use: Dried malt extract simplifies the brewing process, making it accessible to both homebrewers and commercial breweries.

In conclusion, liquid and dried malt extract stand as indispensable ingredients with diverse functionalities and widespread usability. From the brewing kettle to the kitchen pantry and beyond, these extracts continue to leave their mark on various industries, contributing distinctive flavors, nutritional benefits, and ease of use to an array of consumer products.

Grainli® is your expert for liquid and dried malt extract: Let’s get in touch!

Oats have experienced a renaissance in cultivation and consumption in recent years. Until the 1950s, oats were very important in cultivation, mainly as fodder for draught horses. With the mechanisation of agriculture, draught animals and thus oats lost their importance and the area under cultivation declined sharply.

Today, oats are grown for the production of flakes, cereal mixtures and plant drinks and have regained importance. However, the focus is on the production of food and no longer on feed, although oats are still grown for horse feed today.

Oats must fulfil certain quality characteristics depending on their intended use. On the one hand, this is the hl weight, which provides information about the size of the grains. This is essential for the production of flakes. Large grains = large flakes. Oats for flake production should have hl weights of over 54 kg, but at least 52 kg.

The fat content is another parameter that varies depending on the growing region and variety. Oats from Ireland and the United Kingdom, for example, have a higher fat content than oats from Scandinavian countries and northern Germany. The hullability of the oats also plays a role for the mills.

In Europe, oats are a summer crop, sown in spring and harvested in summer. This means that oats fit into the crop rotations that have now been extended again in arable farming. This simplifies weed control and enables the integration of catch crops.

In the Scandinavian countries, oats have always been very important due to the short growing season (summer harvest). To this day, high-quality oats are imported from Finland and Sweden for processing in Western Europe and Germany. Stable, dry weather in the weeks before harvest is favourable for the quality of the oats and reduces the risk for the farmer. A continental climate is therefore suitable for growing oats. In addition to Finland and Sweden, the Baltic states and Poland are therefore also origins for oats. The growing market for “oat drinks” as a milk substitute has given oats a boost in recent years, in addition to the trend towards a healthy diet. The factories process hulled and flaked oats, which is why the mills process additional oats for this industry.

Grainli® is active in all European oat-growing regions and offer customised qualities and logistics from the regions.

Don’t worry darling, the supergrains have it all under control! We’ll fill it back up for you.

These tiny powerhouses are not just for health-conscious humans; they’re now making a splash in the food & pet food industry too! Let’s explore why chia seeds are becoming a go-to ingredient for both our meals and our pets’ treats.

First off, chia seeds are a total nutritional bomb! They’re loaded with omega-3s, protein, fiber, and all those good-for-you minerals. Adding chia seeds to your smoothies, salads, or granola bars gives them an extra kick of nutrients and a nice crunch.

But here’s the cool part – our pets can benefit too! Pet food companies are hopping on the chia bandwagon, using these little wonders to keep our furry friends healthy and happy. The omega-3s in chia seeds are great for pets’ skin, coats, and overall well-being. Plus, the fiber keeps their tummy happy and running smoothly.

The best part? Chia seeds are gluten-free and hypoallergenic for pets, so they’re safe for our four-legged buddies with food sensitivities. And hey, they’re eco-friendly too! Chia plants need way less water and land than other crops, making them a sustainable choice.

So next time you’re looking for a nutritious boost, don’t forget about chia seeds. Whether you’re whipping up something yummy for yourself or treating your pet, these tiny seeds pack a powerful punch. Let’s embrace the chia craze and make our meals and our pets’ meals a whole lot healthier!

Please contact us if you would like to buy larger quantities of chia or require further information.