Guar
What is Guar?
Guar is a soluble fibre derived from the ground endosperm of guar beans, a legume native to India and Pakistan. The beans are milled to produce a fine, off-white powder.
Is Guar vegan?
Guar is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Guar a major allergen?
Guar gum is not one of the 14 major allergens that must be emphasised on UK food labels.
What is Guar used for?
Guar gum acts as a thickening and stabilising agent in a wide range of foods.
Is Guar 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 acts as a thickening and stabilising agent in a wide range of foods. It is commonly used in ice creams, yoghurts, sauces, and baked goods to improve texture and prevent ice crystal formation. It can also be found in gluten-free products to provide structure.
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 primarily used for its thickening properties. EFSA has evaluated guar gum and it has been assigned an acceptable daily intake (ADI). Evidence suggests that soluble fibres like guar gum can contribute to gut health and may help with satiety. However, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, when consuming large amounts.
Allergen info
Guar gum is not one of the 14 major allergens that must be emphasised on UK food labels. It is derived from a legume, but not peanuts or soya, which are among the listed allergens.
Foods that contain Guar
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