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Tamarind seed gum

Tamarind seed gum suppliers and sourcing guide

Tamarind seed gum is a polysaccharide (a xyloglucan) extracted from the seed kernels of the tamarind tree, Tamarindus indica. The seeds are decorticated, milled and extracted with hot water, and the gum is purified, dried and milled. It thickens and stabilizes like a starch but holds up to acid and heat, and it forms gels with sugar or alcohol. It is used in sauces, dressings, dairy desserts, frozen desserts and noodles.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Tamarind seed polysaccharide · Tamarind gum · Tamarindus indica seed gum · Tamarind xyloglucan
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of tamarind seed gum

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

  • Purified food grade

    Refined tamarind seed polysaccharide with low protein and oil, the grade used in foods.

  • Tamarind kernel powder

    Less refined milled kernel, used mainly in industrial applications rather than food.

  • Viscosity grades

    Grades sold by viscosity of a stated solution.

  • Organic

    Gum from certified organic tamarind seed, offered by some suppliers.

What to check on the COA

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

Viscosity
Viscosity of a stated solution by Brookfield viscometer.
Polysaccharide content
Purity as polysaccharide, often by difference after protein, fat, ash and moisture.
Protein, fat and ash
Residual protein, oil and ash from the kernel.
Loss on drying
Moisture content.
Heavy metals
Lead, and often arsenic, cadmium and mercury, by ICP-MS or AAS against the supplier's specification or Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) limits.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms and Salmonella.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store tamarind seed gum sealed in a cool, dry place, since it absorbs moisture and can cake. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of viscosity, moisture and microbiology for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Viscosity and residual protein can vary with seed source and refining; record both from each COA and check viscosity in your own formula when lots change.

Regulatory status

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

  • GRN 503 (tamarind seed polysaccharide, notified by DSP Gokyo Food & Chemical) closed on August 12, 2014 with FDA having no questions, for use as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier and gelling agent in certain food categories.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 7 CFR 205.606 lists tamarind seed gum among the nonorganic agricultural products allowed in products labeled organic when an 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 tamarind gum, with calorie-reduced margarine among its permitted foods.

    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.

Tamarind seed gum suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking tamarind seed gum 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.

Sell tamarind seed gum? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of tamarind seed gum can brands buy?

Common forms include purified food grade, tamarind kernel powder, viscosity grades and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for tamarind seed gum include?

Expect viscosity, polysaccharide content, protein, fat and ash, loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should tamarind seed gum be stored?

Store tamarind seed gum sealed in a cool, dry place, since it absorbs moisture and can cake. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of viscosity, moisture and microbiology for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of tamarind seed gum?

GRN 503 (tamarind seed polysaccharide, notified by DSP Gokyo Food & Chemical) closed on August 12, 2014 with FDA having no questions, for use as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier and gelling agent in certain food categories. 7 CFR 205.606 lists tamarind seed gum among the nonorganic agricultural products allowed in products labeled organic when an organic form is not commercially available. Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes tamarind gum, with calorie-reduced margarine among its permitted foods.

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