What is Gum Arabic used for?
Applications and uses
Due to its unique properties, Gum Acacia (Gum Arabic) has a remarkably wide range of uses and applications. The functions of Gum Arabic include emulsifier, formulation aid, stabiliser, thickener, coating and glazing agent, texturiser, adhesive, binding agent, plasticiser, soluble fibre and it is also a source of prebiotic soluble fibre.
Rich fibre & prebiotic source
Rich fibre & prebiotic source
- Gum Acacia (Gum Acacia) contains a minimum content of 90% soluble dietary fibre, a prebiotic, which is well tolerated.
- The low viscosity of Gum Acacia makes it an ideal fibre source in beverage applications.
- In the European Union Gum Acacia is authorised for use in all food categories at quantum satis (no maximum) apart from in foods for infants and young children. There is more information at this link
Confectionery
Confectionery
- Gum Acacia (Gum Acacia) has been widely used in the confectionery industry for many centuries. This is due to its ability to prevent sugar crystallisation, modify texture, emulsify and keep fatty components evenly distributed.
- Boundary systems can be formed using Gum Acacia, for example around nuts to be coated in chocolate.
- Gum Acacia is used in confectionery as a glaze or coating.
Flavours emulsions & Beverages
Flavours emulsions & Beverages
- Gum Arabic (Gum Acacia) has low viscosity so lends itself to beverage applications.
- The unique emulsifying, encapsulating and stabilising properties make Gum Arabic the gold standard for emulsifiers.
- Used extensively and for decades to produce flavour emulsion concentrates for the soft drink industry.
- Gum Arabic is stable over a wide pH range, so is often used to produce citrus-based emulsions.
Bakery Products
Bakery Products
- In the baking industry, Gum Arabic (Gum Acacia) is used for its comparatively low water-absorption, viscoelastic properties and high soluble fibre.
- Gum Arabic has favourable adhesive properties for use in glazes and toppings
- When used as an emulsion stabiliser, Gum Arabic imparts smoothness.
- Gum Arabic used in bread manufacturing as a rich fibre source and also because of its functional properties such as increasing water absorption, dough height and bread volume.
Spray Dried Flavours & Colours
Spray Dried Flavours & Colours
- Gum Acacia (Gum Arabic) is excellent as a spray-dried powder encapsulation agent for oil-based flavours, aromas, colours and vitamins as it provides protection from oxidation and improves handling characteristics.
- Flavour and colour oleoresins such as annatto, turmeric and paprika are widely spray-dried into powders using Gum Acacia as a base as the Gum Acacai provides effective protection against flavour and colour oxidation during processing and storage.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics
- Gum Arabic imparts spreading properties, gives a protecting coating and a smooth feel. It is used as a binding agent for cake material and an adhesive in facial masks.
- Used in the formulation of mascara, facial moisturizer, moisturizer, anti-aging, body wash/cleaner, liquid hand soap, hair spray, eyeliner, lipstick and others, Gum Arabic has a wide range of applications in personal care products.
Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical
- Gum Arabic (Gum Acacia) has been used successfully in a variety of pharmaceutical products because of its many functional properties such as binder, adhesive and glaze for pharmaceutical tablets.
- In demulcent syrups, it is used for its soothing and protective action, as a suspending agent and as an emulsifying agent.
- Gum Arabic is also used as one of the main ingredients in medicated cough drops and lozenges.
Fruit & Vegetable Postharvest
Artists Colours
Artists Colours
- Gum Arabic (Gum Acacia) is used in water colours as a binder because it is highly soluble in water, low in viscosity: brilliancy, gloss and transparency is improved with the addition of Gum Acacia.
- Gouache and tempera colours have traditionally included Gum Arabic in their formulation.
