Metilgel - Heat-Setting Plant-Based Gelling Agent 300g - Sosa

The gelling agent that defies logic: solid when hot, liquid when cold

Sosa Metilgel is a methylcellulose — a plant-based cellulose derivative — whose behaviour is the exact inverse of traditional gelling agents such as gelatine or agar-agar. Where these set cold and melt hot, Metilgel remains liquid when cold and solidifies with heat. This unique thermosensitive property opens up previously impossible technical applications for gastronomic kitchens and professional pastry.

Understanding Metilgel's behaviour

After hydration at room temperature and resting cold (3-4°C, minimum 12 hours), the preparation presents as a translucent, viscous liquid — the "mother base". When subjected to temperatures above approximately 60°C, this base transforms into a firm gel. As it cools, the gel progressively loses its firmness and returns to liquid. Without heat application, Metilgel acts solely as a thickener.

Technical benefits and applications for hospitality professionals

• Hot jellies and terrines: Prepare the base cold, plate or set in a terrine, then apply heat at service. The preparation holds and presents as a firm jelly — a technique impossible with conventional gelling agents.
• Hot mousses and false meringues: At 15g/L, Metilgel generates stable aeration when hot. Ideal for light hot mousses plated to order or hot meringues with tomato, herbs or broths.
• Egg-free plant-based coatings: At 30g/L, it acts as a frying-resistant binding agent, enabling uniform, firm, crack-free coatings — perfect for croquettes, cromesquis and other fried pieces. A technical, vegan alternative to egg.
• Cold thickening: At 20g/L without heat, it thickens liquids and semi-liquids for structured gazpachos, sandwich fillings or cold bases with controlled texture.

Application guidelines

• Hydration: Mix at room temperature with an electric whisk until the powder is fully dispersed.
• Cold resting: Rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 12 hours until reaching 3-4°C. This step is essential for complete hydration and optimal behaviour when heated.
• Heat application: Gelling activates above 60°C. Below this temperature, the product acts solely as a thickener.
• Freezing: Metilgel withstands freezing, allowing bases to be prepared in advance and stored.

Technical specifications

Sosa Transparency Selection: This product is made with 100% natural-origin raw materials, free from artificial flavourings, synthetic colourings and preservatives, GMO-free and palm oil-free.

Allergens: May contain traces of tree nuts, milk, soya, sulphites, eggs, mustard, celery, sesame, peanut.