Locust bean gum
What is Locust bean gum?
Locust bean gum is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), native to the Mediterranean region. The seeds are harvested, dehulled, and milled to produce a fine, odourless, and tasteless powder.
Is Locust bean gum vegan?
Locust bean gum is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Locust bean gum gluten-free?
It is not related to gluten.
Is Locust bean gum a major allergen?
Locust bean gum is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Locust bean gum used for?
Manufacturers use locust bean gum primarily as a stabiliser and thickener in a wide range of food products.
Is Locust bean gum safe?
Locust bean gum is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use locust bean gum primarily as a stabiliser and thickener in a wide range of food products. It helps to improve texture, prevent ice crystal formation in frozen foods, and provide a smooth mouthfeel, commonly found in dairy products, desserts, sauces, and baked goods.
Health notes
Locust bean gum is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It has been evaluated by EFSA, which confirmed its safety. As a source of soluble fibre, it can contribute to digestive health. No significant health concerns are associated with its consumption at typical dietary levels.
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 |
| 13.1.2 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
Locust bean gum is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not related to gluten.
Foods that contain Locust bean gum
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