Locust bean gum
Locust bean gum is a galactomannan from the seed endosperm of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), grown around the Mediterranean. The seeds are dehulled, the germ is separated and the endosperm is milled into a powder. It needs heat to hydrate fully and is often combined with xanthan, carrageenan or agar, with which it forms firmer gels.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Native milled endosperm that reaches full viscosity only after heating to about 80 to 85 °C.
Dissolved, filtered and reprecipitated for clearer solutions and lower insolubles.
Sold by viscosity range at 1% after heating.
Gum from certified organic carob seed, sold under organic certification.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store locust bean gum sealed in a cool, dry place away from humidity. It is fairly stable as a dry powder but cakes if it takes up moisture. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification.
Carob is a tree crop with variable harvests, so price and availability move between seasons; record origin and viscosity per lot. Check gel strength in combination systems (with carrageenan or xanthan) on each lot change, since small differences show up there first.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1343 describes locust (carob) bean gum as primarily the macerated seed endosperm of the carob tree and sets maximum use levels by food category.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)7 CFR 205.606 lists water-extracted locust bean and carob bean gum 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)Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes carob bean gum.
Source: canada.ca (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 · Rouen, France
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 standard (hot-soluble) grade, clarified grade, viscosity grades and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect viscosity, galactomannan content and purity, loss on drying and ash, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store locust bean gum sealed in a cool, dry place away from humidity. It is fairly stable as a dry powder but cakes if it takes up moisture. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification.
21 CFR 184.1343 describes locust (carob) bean gum as primarily the macerated seed endosperm of the carob tree and sets maximum use levels by food category. 7 CFR 205.606 lists water-extracted locust bean and carob bean 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 carob bean gum.
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