Isomalt tea bombs – a spectacular way to brew tea and discover new flavours

Imagine that instead of a regular tea bag, you drop a shiny ball into your cup – one that slowly begins to dissolve when it comes into contact with hot water, like a crystal melting in the light. Inside, tea leaves, flower petals, spices and fruit are hidden, and the entire spectacle ends with a wonderfully aromatic infusion. This is exactly how isomalt tea bombs work – one of the most visually striking trends in the world of tea infusions!

A tea bomb is a combination of creative form, stunning visual effect and full-bodied tea that attracts tea lovers all over the world. Tea balls are becoming increasingly popular because they combine an element of fun, aesthetics and a modern approach to brewing. In this article, we explain what tea bombs really are, how they are made and what they contain inside.

Summary:

1. What are tea bombs?
2. The magic of dissolving – how does a tea bomb work?
3. Tea bombs – a hit among tea lovers!
4. Tea bombs from MateMundo – a variety of flavours and styles

What are tea bombs?

Tea bombs, also known as tea balls or crystal tea, are small, hand-shaped spheres made from a transparent, glass-like isomalt shell. Inside, they contain a carefully composed blend of tea leaves, spices, fruit and flower petals. When placed in hot water, the isomalt ball begins to dissolve, revealing the ingredients and releasing flavour and aroma.

Unlike traditional loose-leaf tea, which is added directly to water or a tea infuser, tea bombs offer an additional, unique dimension – an eye-catching visual “show” that turns brewing tea into an experience in itself.

What does a tea bomb contain?

The inside of a tea bomb is a small world of aromas. Depending on the variant, it may contain:

• ✔️ Tea leaves – green, black, fruit or herbal, selected so that once the ball dissolves, it creates a full-bodied infusion.
• ✔️ Flower petals – such as rose, cornflower or jasmine, adding natural decoration to the infusion.
• ✔️ Spices – including cinnamon, cloves or cardamom, which warm the aroma and create deeper flavour notes.
• ✔️ Dried or candied fruit – providing natural sweetness and fruity nuances.

This variety means that each tea ball offers a different composition of aromas and flavours. In many cases, the selection of ingredients is inspired by classic tea blends – but enclosed in a completely modern form, reminiscent of blooming tea balls.

An isomalt ball – a new dimension of tea brewing

An isomalt ball is the essence of modern confectionery combined with the tradition of tea brewing. Isomalt, a sugar alcohol derived from sucrose, is well known in the world of so-called sugar art – the art of creating edible decorations with exceptional transparency and durability. Its properties make it ideal for forming clear, glass-like structures that beautifully showcase the ingredients hidden inside.

✨ Properties of isomalt – why it is perfect for creating tea balls

Isomalt stands out thanks to a set of properties that make it an excellent “glass-like” shell for tea bombs. It is stable, transparent and resistant to moisture, which allows the tea balls to retain their aesthetic appearance right up to the moment of brewing. Isomalt is characterised by:

• ✔️ Low calorie content: approx. 2 kcal per gram
• ✔️ Gentle sweetness: it has around 45% of the sweetness of sugar, so it does not overpower the flavour of the infusion
• ✔️ Low impact on blood glucose levels: isomalt has a significantly lower glycaemic index than sucrose
• ✔️ High thermal stability: its melting temperature is higher than that of sugar, which increases the durability of the ball
• ✔️ Low hygroscopicity: isomalt absorbs much less moisture than sugar, allowing tea bombs to maintain their visual appeal for longer

💡 Did you know? Isomalt is widely used in sugar-free products, and its safety has been confirmed by organisations such as the WHO and EFSA. It is non-cariogenic, which is why it is also commonly used in dental products.

Thanks to these properties, isomalt allows the creation of spheres that are durable, visually appealing and fully edible – and above all, perfectly suited to serve as the base of a tea bomb.

How are tea balls made?

The process of making tea bombs combines confectionery technique with handcraft. Each tea ball is created in several stages that require precision and a good sense of timing, and the final result resembles a miniature work of edible art.

First, isomalt is heated to a temperature at which it becomes liquid and perfectly transparent. It is then poured into moulds, forming thin, smooth hemispheres. The next step is filling them with an aromatic blend: tea leaves, flower petals, spices or fruit.

1. Forming the hemispheres: hot isomalt creates a smooth, glass-like surface.
2. Filling the centre: each half is filled with tea leaves and flavourful additions.
3. Joining the halves: the two parts are sealed together using warm isomalt.
4. Decoration: the balls can be coloured or decorated, giving each one an individual character.

Handmade production means that every tea bomb is slightly different. This is exactly why tea balls work so well not only as a way to prepare an infusion, but also as an original and eye-catching gift.

The magic of dissolving – how does a tea bomb work?

The moment a tea bomb is placed into hot water is a true little spectacle – and this is one of the main reasons behind the growing popularity of these unusual tea balls. Thanks to the properties of isomalt, which melts gradually when exposed to high temperatures, the ball slowly “opens”, releasing colours, aromas and ingredients into the infusion.

From a scientific point of view, the process is quite simple: isomalt dissolves evenly, while the ingredients inside the ball begin to release natural pigments, essential oils and aromatic compounds into the water. This is why the effect is so striking and yet completely natural.

The secret of dissolving: a spectacular tea in your cup

If you enjoy drinks that delight not only with their flavour but also with their appearance, watching an isomalt tea bomb dissolve will be a real pleasure. When the ball meets boiling water, its transparent surface begins to soften and slowly disappears, creating a beautiful visual effect.

First, a delicate haze of colour appears. Then the water gradually fills with hues released from the tea leaves and added ingredients. Flowers float towards the surface, fruit sinks to the bottom, and spices form a picturesque swirl inside the teapot. It is a small “show” in a glass vessel that lasts only a few minutes, yet leaves a strong impression.

Importantly, despite its spectacular appearance, the entire process is natural and results from the properties of isomalt and the kinetics of tea extraction at high temperatures.

How to brew a tea bomb?

Brewing tea bombs is very simple – but a few tricks can make the effect even more spectacular! Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Boil the water. Pour 500-600 ml of boiling water into a glass teapot (preferably transparent, so you don’t miss the visual effect).
2. Add the tea bomb. Gently place the ball into the teapot or a large mug or cup. Do not stir! Let it dissolve naturally – this is part of the spectacle.
3. Observe and brew. After about 5 minutes, the infusion is ready to drink. During this time, the tea leaves and additions will release their full aroma.
4. Special effect: for a dramatic “burst” effect, place the tea ball in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before brewing. When it meets boiling water, it will crack quickly and bloom beautifully in the teapot!

Prepared this way, a tea ball is perfect not only for everyday enjoyment, but also as a striking element at meetings and parties – it truly catches the eye and sparks admiration.

Tea bombs – a hit among tea lovers!

In the world of tea, it is hard to find anything more visually striking than tea bombs. The combination of visual appeal, natural ingredients, rich aroma and a modern approach to brewing has made them a true hit. At a time when many people are looking not only for flavour but also for experience, a tea ball meets all these expectations.

Tea enthusiasts appreciate them not only for the convenience and speed of preparation, but also because each tea bomb resembles a small work of art. The dissolving effect, the abundance of ingredients and the intense aroma turn drinking tea into a completely new experience.

👉 If you would like to explore more types of infusions, take a look at the full Tea category in our shop – you will find classic loose-leaf teas, matcha, accessories, as well as eye-catching tea balls.

Tea balls – natural ingredients and an original idea for an aromatic infusion

One of the reasons for the popularity of tea bombs is their composition – inside, you will find natural ingredients such as tea leaves, fruit, spices and flower petals. Thanks to this, the infusion is full-bodied and rich in aroma, while the brewing process remains comparable in quality to traditional methods.

In addition, the freshness of the ingredients sealed inside the isomalt ball ensures that their aromas are released evenly and intensively. The result is a drink that retains the character of classic loose-leaf tea, yet offers something extra – an element of surprise and the beauty of ingredients floating freely in the vessel.

This makes tea balls an ideal choice for those who value not only flavour, but also the aesthetics of tea preparation. The combination of natural ingredients and an elegant form means that tea balls clearly stand out from traditional teas.

Tea balls as a gift idea for tea lovers

If you are looking for something original, visually appealing and practical at the same time, a tea bomb makes a perfect gift idea. It is a product that attracts attention at first glance, and its dissolving effect is spectacular enough to impress even the most experienced tea lover.

Tea balls are also highly versatile – they can be given to a loved one, a teacher, a colleague, or chosen as an elegant seasonal gift or a thoughtful addition to a present. Many people appreciate them for being beautiful, tasty and truly distinctive. On top of that, their handmade nature means that each tea ball is unique, which further emphasises the special character of the gift.

🎁 Why are tea bombs an ideal gift?

• Eye-catching and original appearance.
• A beautiful dissolving process – a small spectacle in a cup.
• Natural ingredients and a full-bodied infusion.
• A universal gift suitable for people of all ages.

If you want to give someone a present that truly stands out from classic tea sets, tea balls are a perfect choice!

Tea bombs from MateMundo – a variety of flavours and styles

At MateMundo, we make sure that every tea bomb delights both in appearance and flavour. That is why our shop offers an exceptional collection of tea balls by the Mary Rose brand, created using the highest-quality ingredients, carefully selected by hand and sealed inside a crystal-clear isomalt shell.

Each variant has its own character, aroma and colour palette – from fruity and floral compositions to bold, winter-inspired blends. Find the flavour that suits your taste best… or choose several and give them to someone special as an impressive gift!

Citrus Gentleman

Refreshing citrus notes, black tea and aromas of grapefruit and lime.

Tropical Bloom

An explosion of mango, papaya and rose petals – a tropical feast for the senses!

Winter Charm

A winter-inspired blend of black tea with cinnamon, orange peel and nuts.

Midnight Blossom

An intensely blue infusion thanks to butterfly pea flowers – a stunning colour!

Berry Romance

A blend of strawberry, hibiscus, rose and pineapple – intensely fruity and aromatic.

Forest Treasure

A forest-inspired blend of wild rose, aronia, elderberry and forest fruits.

Standard tea bombs from the Mary Rose range weigh 40 g and measure approximately 6.5 cm in diameter – ideal for brewing in a larger teapot. Mini versions are also available, weighing around 15 g with a diameter of about 3 cm, designed for mugs holding 250-300 ml. This is a great option if you want to try different flavours or create your own personalised gift set before discovering further varieties.

Each ball is a carefully crafted blend that transforms into an aromatic, visually beautiful infusion once dissolved in hot water. Whether you choose refreshing citrus notes, fruity sweetness or warming winter spices, discovering the flavours of Mary Rose is a true pleasure!

Try one – and you’ll never look at brewing tea the same way again!

Sources of information:

1. Wikipedia: Isomalt.
2. ScienceDirect: Isomalt.
3. C. Ch. Maresch et al., Low Glycemic Index Prototype Isomaltulose-Update of Clinical Trials, Nutrients, 2017.
4. J. Xie et al., Effect of Isomaltulose on Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, Advances in Nutrition, 2022.
5. Safety of isomaltulose syrup (dried) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, EFSA Journal, 2024.
6. L. Schweitzer et al., Replacing sugar with the polyol isomalt: technological advances and nutritional benefits focusing on blood glucose management, NUTRAfoods, 2024.