Locust Bean Gum

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.