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Gum tragacanth

Gum tragacanth suppliers and sourcing guide

Gum tragacanth is the dried exudate from the stems of several Astragalus shrubs that grow in the mountains of Iran and Turkey. The gum is collected as ribbons or flakes, sorted by grade, cleaned and milled into powder. It gives high viscosity and is acid-stable, and is used in sugar paste, dressings and some topical products.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
tragacanth · E413 · Astragalus gummifer · gum dragon
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of gum tragacanth

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Ribbon grades

    Higher grades collected as thin ribbons; pale color and highest viscosity.

  • Flake grades

    Lower grades with more color and lower viscosity, usually for less demanding uses.

  • Powder

    Milled gum, the usual form for manufacturing, sold by viscosity.

  • Organic

    Tragacanth sourced under organic certification.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Viscosity
Viscosity of a 1% dispersion; the main grade parameter.
Identification
FCC or pharmacopeial identity tests, plus a check for karaya adulteration.
Loss on drying, ash and acid-insoluble ash
Purity parameters from the FCC monograph.
Heavy metals
Lead and arsenic by ICP-MS.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli and Salmonella; raw exudate gums can carry high counts.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store tragacanth sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Powder loses viscosity over time, faster when warm, so rotate stock. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Grade, color and viscosity vary widely with collection and sorting, so record grade and viscosity per lot. Supply is limited to a few countries, so record origin and plan for price swings.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

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.

Gum tragacanth suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking gum tragacanth suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of gum tragacanth can brands buy?

Common forms include ribbon grades, flake grades, powder and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for gum tragacanth include?

Expect viscosity, identification, loss on drying, ash and acid-insoluble ash, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should gum tragacanth be stored?

Store tragacanth sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Powder loses viscosity over time, faster when warm, so rotate stock. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification.

What is the regulatory status of gum tragacanth?

21 CFR 184.1351 describes gum tragacanth as the exudate from Astragalus species and sets maximum use levels by food category. 7 CFR 205.606 lists tragacanth gum among nonorganic agricultural products allowed in products labeled organic when the organic form is not commercially available. Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes tragacanth gum.

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