Gum arabic
Gum arabic is the dried exudate that forms on the stems and branches of Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees, collected mainly in Sudan, Chad and Nigeria. Raw nodules are cleaned, dissolved in water, filtered or centrifuged, pasteurized and spray-dried into a powder. It is a low-viscosity, highly soluble gum used to emulsify flavor oils, coat confections and add soluble fiber.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
The usual purchased form: dissolved, filtered, pasteurized and spray-dried for consistent solubility and low microbial counts.
The higher-emulsifying species, preferred for beverage flavor emulsions.
A lower-cost species with weaker emulsifying properties, often used for fiber or coating.
Mechanically cleaned and crushed gum that has not been dissolved or dried; needs further processing.
Gum from certified organic collection areas, sold under organic certification.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep gum arabic powder sealed in a cool, dry place; it absorbs moisture and forms hard lumps if left open. Protect it from strong odors, which the powder can take up. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, often two to three years unopened.
Supply depends on the harvest season and on conditions in the producing countries, so record origin and species for each lot. Emulsifying strength varies between lots and between senegal and seyal, so re-check emulsion stability in your flavor system when lots change.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1330 describes acacia (gum arabic) as the dried gummy exudate from stems and branches of Acacia trees and sets use levels by food category.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 172.780 also permits acacia as a food additive, with dietary fiber among its listed functions in categories such as breakfast cereals.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)7 CFR 205.606 lists water-extracted gum arabic among nonorganic agricultural products allowed in products labeled organic when the organic form is not commercially available.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Port-Mort, France
Sells it as Beyond Acacia
French processor of natural plant gums, making acacia gum (gum arabic) in spray-dried, instant and granulated grades and karaya gum for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic makers.
Manufacturer · Rouen, France
Sells it as Fibregum
Nexira is a French family-owned maker of acacia gum, other natural gums and plant extract powders, including acerola, baobab, guarana, ginseng and mushroom extracts, for food, drink and supplement companies.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include spray-dried powder, acacia senegal (hard gum), acacia seyal, kibbled or raw nodules and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity and botanical species, viscosity and emulsion stability, loss on drying, total ash and acid-insoluble matter, heavy metals, microbiology and tannin-bearing gums, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep gum arabic powder sealed in a cool, dry place; it absorbs moisture and forms hard lumps if left open. Protect it from strong odors, which the powder can take up. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, often two to three years unopened.
21 CFR 184.1330 describes acacia (gum arabic) as the dried gummy exudate from stems and branches of Acacia trees and sets use levels by food category. 21 CFR 172.780 also permits acacia as a food additive, with dietary fiber among its listed functions in categories such as breakfast cereals. 7 CFR 205.606 lists water-extracted gum arabic among nonorganic agricultural products allowed in products labeled organic when the organic form is not commercially available.
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