Locust Bean Gum
Locust Bean Gum is a galactomannan hydrocolloid extracted from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), derived from the ground endosperm of the seeds contained in the pod-shaped fruit of the tree. It is also known as carob bean gum. It is widely used as a hydrocolloid because it provides thickening, stabilization, texturizing, water binding, and synergistic gelling effects with other gums.
Locust Bean Gum mainly functions as a thickener, stabilizer, texturizer, water-binding agent, fat replacer, and adjunct gelling agent. In many products it helps improve creaminess, control ice crystal growth, reduce separation, retain moisture, and build a more uniform texture.
LBG is a “hot process” gum and sets upon cooling after heating to 75–80°C (167𝇈 -176𝇈F).
Locust (Carob) Bean Gum is listed as GRAS and is approved for use in foods; 21CFR Part 184.1343 and 21CFR 582.7343.
Applications — Food
Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts — Reduces ice crystal formation and improves creamy mouthfeel. Delays melting and improves heat-shock stability.
Cream Cheese and Soft Cheese Products — Improves spread-ability and richness and provides smooth body. Helps moisture binding and reduces syneresis in cheese systems.
Sauces, Dressings and Soups — Provides smooth viscosity and water binding in fluid systems. Helps suspend particulates and improves stability during processing.
Bakery and Pastry Fillings — Improves dough or filling texture and provides moisture retention. Helps extend shelf life and reduces fragility in baked goods.
Dairy Desserts and Beverages — Builds body in yogurt, dairy desserts and flavored milk systems. Helps control phase separation and supports stable texture.
Applications — Cosmetics/Personal Care/Industrial
Cosmetics and Personal Care — Optimizes viscosity, used as a thickener and filler in selected personal care products.
Paper and Textiles/Industrial — Improves paper strength, dye application and finishing performance. Used for sizing, thickening and print-paste control. Used as viscosity adjuster and fluid-loss control agent in industrial applications. Helps carry solids and improve rheology.
