Guar gum
What is Guar gum?
Guar gum is a soluble dietary fibre derived from the ground endosperm of guar beans, a legume native to India and Pakistan. The beans are milled to separate the endosperm, which is then processed to produce a fine, off-white powder.
Is Guar gum vegan?
Guar gum is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Guar gum gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Guar gum a major allergen?
Guar gum is derived from guar beans, which are legumes.
What is Guar gum used for?
Guar gum is primarily used as a thickening and stabilising agent in food products.
Is Guar gum safe?
Guar gum is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed in the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Guar gum is primarily used as a thickening and stabilising agent in food products. Its ability to absorb water and increase viscosity makes it useful in a variety of foods, including dairy products like ice cream, baked goods, sauces, and dressings, improving their texture and preventing separation.
Health notes
Guar gum is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed in the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is generally recognised for its fibre content, which can contribute to digestive health. European food safety authorities have evaluated guar gum, and it is permitted for use in various food categories. Some individuals may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, when consuming large amounts of guar gum due to its fermentable fibre content.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 1.6.2 Unflavoured live fermented cream products and substitute products, both with a fat content of less than 20 % | No numerical limit listed |
| 1.10 Milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children* | 10000 |
| 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5 jam jellies and marmalades and similar products | 10000 |
| 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | 10000 |
| 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads | 10000 |
| 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | No numerical limit listed |
| 11.4.1 table-top sweeteners in liquid form | No numerical limit listed |
| 11.4.2 table-top sweeteners in powder form | No numerical limit listed |
| 13.1.1 infant formulae as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 1000 |
| 13.1.2 follow-on formulae as defined by by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 1000 |
| 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 20000 |
| 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 10000 |
| 13.1.5.1 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, intended for infants | 10000 |
| 13.1.5.2 Foods for special medical purposes, as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, intended for infants as from four months of age and for young children | 10000 |
Allergen info
Guar gum is derived from guar beans, which are legumes. It is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Guar gum
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