Caramel/Crystal

Caramel & Crystal Malts for Brewing

Shop caramel and crystal malts for homebrewing to add sweetness, body, color, and flavors ranging from light candy and honey to rich caramel, toffee, burnt sugar, and dark fruit. These versatile specialty brewing grains can be used in everything from light lagers and Pale Ales to Red Ales, IPAs, Porters, Stouts, Belgian ales, and Barleywines.

Caramel and crystal malts are available across a wide range of Lovibond colors, and choosing the right one can dramatically change the character of your beer. Lighter caramel malts generally contribute mild sweetness, candy, honey, and light caramel flavors, while medium crystal malts move toward richer caramel and toffee. Dark crystal and caramel malts can bring flavors of burnt sugar, raisin, plum, dried fruit, dark caramel, and toasted malt along with deeper amber, red, and brown color.

In addition to flavor and color, caramel and crystal malts are commonly used to increase body and mouthfeel while helping improve foam and head retention. Small additions can provide subtle balance and malt complexity, while higher percentages can make caramel sweetness and specialty-malt character a defining part of the finished beer.

Our selection includes American, British, and German caramel and crystal malts from leading maltsters, giving you plenty of options for dialing in exactly the color and flavor profile you're looking for.

Whether you're brewing a Pale Ale, IPA, Red Ale, Amber Ale, Märzen, Bock, Brown Ale, Porter, Stout, Belgian Dubbel, or Barleywine, the right caramel or crystal malt can add another layer of color, body, sweetness, and malt complexity.

Beyond Brewing: Caramel & Crystal Malt for Bread & Baking

Caramel and crystal malts can also bring unique flavor and color to homemade bread and baked goods. Finely crushed caramel malt can be incorporated in small amounts alongside your regular flour or grains to add sweet malt, caramel, toffee, toasted sugar, and dark-fruit flavors depending on the malt you choose.

Lighter caramel malts can provide subtle sweetness and golden color, while darker crystal malts can add richer flavors reminiscent of dark caramel, burnt sugar, raisin, and dried fruit. Experiment with small additions in breads, pretzels, crackers, rolls, and other baked goods where an extra layer of malt character would be welcome.