tara gum
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 刺云实胶 |
| English name | tara gum |
| INS/E number | INS 417 |
| Functional class | Gelling agent, Stabilizer, Thickener |
| Year adopted | 1999 |
| Approved by | European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
tara gum (INS 417) is a Gelling agent, Stabilizer, Thickener food additive. Used to form gels or semi-solid structures in liquid foods.Used to keep the physical state of foods stable, preventing separation, sedimentation or syneresis.Used to increase viscosity and improve mouthfeel and body.
Source
Natural：E.g. pectin, agar, carrageenan, gelatin.Mostly natural gums, proteins or polysaccharides (e.g. gelatin, pectin, locust bean gum).Mostly natural polysaccharides or proteins (e.g. pectin, xanthan, carrageenan, starch).
Industrial：Extracted and purified.Some are physically or chemically modified (e.g. carboxymethyl cellulose, modified starches).Some are modified for performance (e.g. hydroxypropyl starch, CMC).
Why is it used?
- Form gel structure
- Provide body
- Improve mouthfeel
- Maintain homogeneity
- Prevent syneresis and sedimentation
- Improve texture and water retention
- Increase viscosity
- Improve body and mouthfeel
- Stabilise suspensions
Common Foods
- Jelly
- Pudding
- Yoghurt
- Confectionery
- Aspic
- Beverages
- Sauces
- Ice cream
- Soups
Safety
Mostly natural polysaccharides or proteins, safe within permitted use.Most act as dietary fibre or inert colloids and are safe within permitted use.Mostly indigestible polysaccharides, safe within permitted use; some act as dietary fibre.
Metabolism：Metabolic pathways vary by substance; generally the material is metabolised or excreted normally.
Concerns：
- Use within permitted levels
- Sensitive individuals should check the ingredient list
Usage Standard
China：依据 GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》确定使用范围与最大使用量；具体限值随食品类别而异。
International：
- China GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for Uses of Food Additives：https://www.cfsa.net.cn/
- Codex GSFA General Standard for Food Additives：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/codex-alimentarius/en/
- FAO/WHO JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives)：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/jecfa/en/
- US FDA Substances Added to Food：https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/substances-added-food-previously-food-additive-status-list
- EU EFSA Food Additives：https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-additives
In a nutshell
tara gum is a Gelling agent, Stabilizer, Thickener, safe for use in food production within permitted limits.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.