Malt Balls: A Sweet Confectionery Treat
Malt balls are a popular confectionery treat that has delighted people of all ages for decades. These spherical candies are characterized by their unique combination of crunchy, malted milk centers and smooth chocolate or flavored coatings. Their widespread popularity has made them a staple in candy jars and a favorite snack for movie nights, parties, and other occasions.
What are Malt Balls?
Malt balls are spherical candies made by coating a malted milk center with chocolate or other flavored coatings. The malted milk center is made from malted milk powder, which is a dried mixture of wheat, non-diastatic malt, and powdered milk. This powder gives malt balls their distinctive malty flavor and crunchy texture. The chocolate or flavored coating adds a layer of sweetness and richness, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
History of Malt Balls
The origins of malt balls can be traced back to the invention of malted milk powder by William Horlick in 1887. Horlick, a food manufacturer from England, settled in Racine, Wisconsin, and experimented with producing dried milk products. He initially marketed malted milk powder as a health food, but it soon gained popularity as a sweetening agent for various foods and beverages.
In 1936, Forrest Mars Sr., the founder of Mars, Inc., had the idea to create a candy using a malted milk center. He developed the first malt ball candy, which he initially marketed as “Maltesers” in the UK in 1937. In 1939, the product was introduced to the United States under the name “Giants.” In 1949, the Overland Candy Company, which later became part of the Hershey Foods Company, acquired the rights to produce and sell malt balls in the United States. The candy was rebranded as “Whoppers” and became a popular penny candy.
Ingredients
The main ingredients used in making malt balls are malted milk powder, chocolate, sugar, and other possible flavorings. Malted milk powder provides the characteristic malty flavor and crunchy texture. Chocolate, typically milk chocolate, is used to coat the malted milk center, adding sweetness and richness. Sugar is used to sweeten the candy and balance the flavors. Additional flavorings, such as peanut butter, caramel, or mint, can be added to create different variations of malt balls.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process of malt balls involves several steps. First, the malted milk center is prepared by mixing malted milk powder with other ingredients, such as sugar and flavorings. The mixture is then rolled into small balls and coated with a thin layer of chocolate or flavored coating. The coated malt balls are then cooled and packaged.
Variations and Flavors
Malt balls come in a variety of types and flavors. The most common variation is the chocolate-covered malt ball, which is coated with milk chocolate. Other popular variations include peanut butter malt balls, which have a peanut butter-flavored coating, and caramel-filled malt balls, which have a caramel filling. Some manufacturers also produce malt balls with different flavors, such as mint, orange, or strawberry.
Taste and Texture
Malt balls are known for their unique taste and texture. The malted milk center provides a crunchy texture, while the chocolate or flavored coating adds a smooth and creamy layer. The combination of these textures creates a satisfying eating experience. The malty flavor of the center is balanced by the sweetness of the chocolate or flavored coating, resulting in a delicious and addictive treat.
Popular Brands
Some of the well-known brands that produce malt balls include:
- Whoppers: Whoppers are the most popular brand of malt balls in the United States. They are produced by the Hershey Company and are known for their classic milk chocolate coating.
- Maltesers: Maltesers are the original malt balls, created by Forrest Mars Sr. in the UK. They are still produced by Mars, Inc. and are known for their thin milk chocolate coating.
- Nestlé Maltesers: Nestlé also produces a line of malt balls called Nestlé Maltesers. These malt balls are similar to the original Maltesers but are produced by Nestlé instead of Mars.
Serving and Consumption
Malt balls are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are commonly served as a snack or candy on their own. They can also be used as a topping for ice cream, milkshakes, or other desserts. Additionally, malt balls can be crushed and used as a crunchy topping for cakes, cookies, or other baked goods.
Nutritional Information
Malt balls are a high-calorie treat and should be consumed in moderation. A single serving of malt balls (about 1 ounce) typically contains around 150 calories, 5 grams of fat, 20 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein. Malt balls are also a good source of calcium and iron.
Conclusion
Malt balls are a delicious and popular confectionery treat that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for decades. Their unique combination of crunchy, malted milk centers and smooth chocolate or flavored coatings has made them a staple in candy jars and a favorite snack for various occasions. Whether enjoyed on their own or used as a topping or ingredient, malt balls are a versatile and delightful treat that can satisfy any sweet tooth.
References
FAQs
What are malt balls?
Malt balls are spherical candies made by coating a malted milk center with chocolate or other flavored coatings.
What is the history of malt balls?
The origins of malt balls can be traced back to the invention of malted milk powder by William Horlick in 1887. In 1936, Forrest Mars Sr. created the first malt ball candy, which he initially marketed as “Maltesers” in the UK. In 1939, the product was introduced to the United States under the name “Giants.” In 1949, the Overland Candy Company, which later became part of the Hershey Foods Company, acquired the rights to produce and sell malt balls in the United States. The candy was rebranded as “Whoppers” and became a popular penny candy.
What are the ingredients in malt balls?
The main ingredients used in making malt balls are malted milk powder, chocolate, sugar, and other possible flavorings. Malted milk powder provides the characteristic malty flavor and crunchy texture. Chocolate, typically milk chocolate, is used to coat the malted milk center, adding sweetness and richness. Sugar is used to sweeten the candy and balance the flavors. Additional flavorings, such as peanut butter, caramel, or mint, can be added to create different variations of malt balls.
What are some popular brands of malt balls?
Some of the well-known brands that produce malt balls include Whoppers, Maltesers, and Nestlé Maltesers.
How can I enjoy malt balls?
Malt balls can be enjoyed in various ways. They are commonly served as a snack or candy on their own. They can also be used as a topping for ice cream, milkshakes, or other desserts. Additionally, malt balls can be crushed and used as a crunchy topping for cakes, cookies, or other baked goods.
Are malt balls healthy?
Malt balls are a high-calorie treat and should be consumed in moderation. A single serving of malt balls (about 1 ounce) typically contains around 150 calories, 5 grams of fat, 20 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein. Malt balls are also a good source of calcium and iron.