Vegetable Gum:
How Is It Used In
Your Healthy Snacks

Are you on a gluten free diet?

Many ingredient labels specify vegetable gum on their ingredient labels.

Are you confused as to what they are, which ones are gluten free and are you allowed to consume them in your healthy snacks?

Below is a list of the most widely used gums and a brief description of each. This information should help you make an educated decision as to whether the product in question is safe for you to consume.

Vegetable Gums Allowed on a Gluten Free Diet

Agar/Kanten is a red algae or seaweed which is obtained from the open seas. On today's market shelves, it can be found sold in strips or as a white powder. It is commonly known as a bulking agent (because it is comprised of 80% fiber) so it is usually used as an ingredient in puddings, custards or candies such as jellies or in many products which rely on a gelatin base.

Arrowroot is also well known as a gluten free flour replacement but it is commonly used as a thickening agent also in food processing. It is a pure white light powder, which when added to water expands and then jells when cooked. It is a manufacturing favorite also in the preparation of ice cream because it prevents freezer burn.

When using arrowroot as a thickener, substitute 2 tsps. of arrowroot for every 1 T. cornstarch.

Carob Bean is from a carob tree, which is a flowering evergreen shrub. The tree is raised specifically for the purpose of removing its edible seed pods. This seed pod is known as the locust bean (gum).

Processed carob is either dried or roasted. Many people say it has a slightly sweet taste which reminds them of chocolate. Formerly, the carob pod was used as a sweetener before sugar cane and sugar beets became so widely available.

Other Uses For The Carob Bean

• Used as a thickener in many processed foods, especially salad dressings and ice cream or as the thickener (in place of corn or wheat products) when making pie fillings

• Pods are consumed as an edible snack

• In some countries, it is made into a liquor or other drink

• Is used effectively for relieving diarrhea in infants

• Used as a natural source of animal feed

• Non-toxic alternative food for dogs(instead of chocolate) because there is no theobromine

Carrageenan is also a red seaweed product often used in the households which are trying to follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. It is used as an alternative wherever a gelatin base is needed.

Although there is some controversy surrounding this additive(some studies show over-indulgence may promote inflammation), the only suggested restrictions as of now is not recommending its use in infant formulas. The general public is just suggested to read the ingredient labels and not to consume daily too many products which use this additive.

Cellulose Gum is generally not used very often in this country. It is a fermentable fiber source derived from plants. It is most often used, and seen, as a dietary fiber supplement.

Gum Arabic and Gum Acacia are both a natural gum (sap) which is removed from two species of the acacia tree. Each is used in the food industry as a stabilizer,emulsifier or thickening agent. It is most often found in ice cream, candy or syrup recipes.

Gum Tragacanth is a natural gum taken from the root of a legume plant. As there are other gums available for use in this country which will obtain the same results, gum tragacanth is used infrequently because it is very difficult to obtain a consistent supply.

Guar Gum is used generally as an emulsifier (prevents oil and water ingredients from separating) and as a stabilizer (allows particles to stay suspended without all settling to the bottom) in the food industry. This additive is also used because it has the capability of obtaining good results when used in gluten free baking of breads, cakes, pies etc. because it increases the yield, taste,texture and shelf life on finished baked goods.

Also, many companies use guar gum as the stabilizer in yogurt, salad dressings, bar-b-que sauces and other condiments.

Xanthan Gum is also used much like guar gum as an emulsifier, stabilizer and spread all over the gluten free food industry. Where guar gum though comes from the guar bean, xanthan gum is a product of chemistry. It is a product from the bacteria common to many types of vegetables mixed with corn sugar. It is especially liked in food processing because it yields a flowing, gelatinous texture pleasing to the tongue.

Vegetable Gums Not Allowed In A Gluten Free Diet