These ingredients seem to be mixtures of Sodium Alginate and Maltodextrin. Both claim to not require long times to get hydrated. The Hydrocolloids primer (
http://www.cookingissues.com/primers/hydrocolloids-primer/) says "Industrially, hydrocolloids are often mixed with a non-solvent, like alcohol or corn syrup, or an easily dissolved powder like sugar. This pre-mix helps the hydrocolloid particles get away from each other while they hydrate."
Both Sphere Magic and Algizoon cost considerably more than plain Sodium Alginate and require larger amounts, I assume because the amount of alginate is less.
So... can you think of a way I can find out the proportions of maltodextrin and alginate so I can experiment with my own "magic" and save some money eventually?
Thanks in advance for your help.