Gum Acacia and Gum Arabic
From a naming and regulatory standpoint, the FDA treats both Gum Arabic and Gum Acacia as synonyms and they fall under the same regulation. 21CFR 172.780 Acacia (gum arabic) and 21CFR 184.1330 Acacia (gum arabic)) are the dried gummy exudate from stems and branches of trees of various species of the genus Acacia, family Leguminosae.
However, manufacturers manage these two ingredients in the following way.
Acacia (from Vachellia seyal Acacia trees) is almost always referred to as Gum Acacia. It does not function as an emulsifier. It functions well for moisture retention, tablet coatings, adding viscosity or stabilization.
Acacia (from Senegalia senegal Acacia trees) is usually referred to as Premium Spray Dried Gum Arabic. It is an excellent emulsifier. It also works well as a film former and improves mouthfeel.
Acacia gum is a natural, water –soluble hydrocolloid from Acacia tree sap, which acts mainly as a stabilizer, binder and encapsulating and emulsifying agent. It is valued for being low-viscosity and highly functional, so it can improve texture and stability without making products too viscous.
Acacia Gum
A water-soluble polysaccharide and dietary fiber exudate hydrocolloid, which is harvested from the stems and branches of the Vachellia seyal Acacia trees. It is used widely as an excellent binder and film former, and also improves mouthfeel. This product is 100% Pure, All-Natural Seyal Gum; 90% Dietary Fiber; consistent low viscosity.
Applications — Food
Beverages — Stabilizes flavor oils and provides mouthfeel in beverage systems.
Confectionery — Controls crystallization, supports glazing and improves chew or texture.
Bakery — Controls crystallization, supports glazing and improves chew or texture.
Dairy — Stabilizes texture and optimizes viscosity in dairy-based desserts, dairy and plant-based beverages, and cultured products.
Nutrition and Plant-Based Foods — Adds soluble fiber, provides dietary fiber enrichment, binding, and texture support.
Applications — Cosmetics/Personal Care
Lotions, Sunscreens, Mascaras, and Creams. — Enhances the texture, consistency and wear-time.
Applications — Industrial
Printing and Paper — Acts as a binder and protective colloid in graphic and paper systems.
Examples — Carbonless paper microencapsulation; lithographic plate coatings.
Textiles — Provides sizing, thickening and stabilization in textile processing.
Examples — Textile sizings; waterproof textile emulsions.
Gum Arabic
A water-soluble polysaccharide and dietary fiber exudate hydrocolloid, which is harvested from the stems and branches of the Senegalia senegal Acacia trees. It is used widely as an excellent emulsifier, stabilizer and film former, and also improves mouthfeel. This product is 100% Pure, All-Natural Senegal Gum; 90% Dietary Fiber; consistent low viscosity. Gum Arabic is also used for microencapsulation of flavors, vitamins and other sensitive ingredients. It is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and industrial formulations as a binder, film former, stabilizer and suspending agent. It is also used in coatings and other technical applications where a natural adhesive or protective colloid is useful.
Applications — Food
Beverages — Emulsifies flavor oils and citrus systems. Improves and optimizes stability and mouthfeel in drinks.
Confectionery — Slows sugar crystallization in candies. Builds texture in chewy and glazed sweets.
Bakery — Helps glaze adhesion and surface finish. Supports and optimizes texture and moisture retention. Extends shelf life.
Dairy and Frozen Desserts — Stabilizes texture in dairy systems. Helps control structure and ice crystal formation
Nutrition and Plant-Based Foods — Acts as a binder. Provides soluble dietary fiber to support digestion and gut health.
Flavors and Ingredients — Encapsulates flavors and other ingredients. Provides emulsification.
Applications — Cosmetics/Personal Care/Industrial
Printing and Paper — Acts as a binder and protective colloid in graphic and paper systems.
Examples — Lithographic coatings and carbonless paper systems.
Textiles — Provides sizing, thickening and stabilization in textile processing.
Examples — Textile Printing and Finishing Systems.
Watercolors — Acts as the core glue holding pigment particles together in paints.
Examples — Watercolor paints.
