Guar gum is one of the most widely used hydrocolloids in the food industry. It yields high viscosity at low concentration, is compatible with a broad range of food systems, and is cost-effective relative to other thickeners and stabilizers. It is extracted from the endosperm of the guar plant seed, processed into a refined powder, and sold in grades calibrated for different applications by viscosity, hydration rate, particle size, and purity.
Chemistry and viscosity
Guar gum is a galactomannan, a polysaccharide consisting of a mannose backbone with galactose side chains in approximately a 2:1 mannose:galactose ratio. It hydrates rapidly in cold water, forming a highly viscous pseudoplastic solution at concentrations as low as 0.1–1%. The viscosity is shear-thinning: it thickens under low shear (storage) and thins under high shear (processing and pumping), a favorable behavior for most food processing operations.
Food-grade guar gum typically ranges from approximately 4,000 cP to over 8,000 cP at 1% in water.
Main grades
Food grade: refined, low microbial count, typically 80 mesh particle size. Used in beverages, dairy products, sauces, dressings, and baked goods. Must comply with FCC and/or E412 specifications.
Fast hydration grade: particle size and surface treatment optimized for rapid viscosity development in cold water.
Industrial grade: used in oil and gas drilling fluids, paper sizing, textile printing, and explosives manufacturing.
Pharmaceutical grade: meets USP/NF specifications for use as a tablet binder, disintegrant, and controlled-release excipient.
Organic certified: produced under organic farming protocols for use in certified organic food formulations.
Main applications
- Dairy: stabilizer and texturizer in ice cream, yogurt, processed cheese, and dairy drinks
- Bakery: improves dough strength, water retention, and shelf life in bread, tortillas, and gluten-free products
- Beverages: thickener and suspension aid in juices, smoothies, and functional beverages
- Sauces and dressings: provides body and cling; shear-thinning behavior is useful in pourable dressings
- Supplements: dietary fiber source and tablet excipient
PAT supplies food-grade and organic guar gum
Contact us to discuss grades, specifications, pricing, and sample availability.
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