Description
What Is Guar Gum?
- Source: Endosperm of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba(guar plant) seeds.
- Chemical identity: Galactomannan polysaccharide (high molecular weight).
- Appearance: Off-white to pale yellow powder; highly water-soluble.
- Viscosity: Forms high-viscosity solutions at low concentrations (0.5–1%).
Key Benefits
- High water-binding capacity: Excellent thickening and moisture retention.
- Cold water solubility: No need for heat to hydrate or activate.
- Synergistic gelling: Enhances gel strength when combined with xanthan or carrageenan.
- Low dosage efficiency: Effective at low inclusion rates.
- Biodegradable and non-toxic: Safe for food, pharma, and eco-friendly formulations.
Functional Roles
| Function | Description |
| Thickener | Increases viscosity in aqueous systems |
| Stabilizer | Prevents phase separation in emulsions and suspensions |
| Emulsifier aid | Supports emulsion stability in food and cosmetics |
| Fiber source | Adds soluble dietary fiber in nutrition products |
| Binder | Improves cohesion in tablets, bakery, and meat analogs |
Applications by Industry
- Food: Ice cream, sauces, bakery, dairy, beverages: Controls texture, prevents syneresis, and improves mouthfeel
- Pharmaceuticals:
- Suspensions, tablets, laxatives: Used as binder, disintegrant, and fiber source
- Cosmetics:
- Lotions, shampoos, creams: Provides viscosity, smooth texture, and moisture retention
- Industrial:
- Textiles, paper, oil drilling, explosives: Acts as thickener, binder, and water retention agent
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.