Guar gum and xantham gum are two popular gums used as thickeners and stabilizers in many food products. Both these gums have different properties and each has its own uses and advantages.
Guar gum is derived from the guar plant while xanthan gum is derived from bacterial fermentation of sugars.
Both types of glue can be used to thicken liquids or stabilize emulsions, but they have different properties that make them suitable for different applications.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between guar gum and xanthan gum to help you decide which is best for your needs.
What is Guar Gum?
Guar gum is a natural polysaccharide extracted from the guar bean, a legume grown in India. It is composed of the sugars galactose and mannose.
Cluster bean or guar bean is an annual herb that is a source of guar gum. For vegetable use, young ones are harvested, and the mature ones (i.e) the seeds are harvested to be dried in a powdered form like flour which is known as guar gum.
Basically, this gum is used as a thickening agent in various industries like ice-cream making, bread making, paper production, cosmetics, etc. Not only in production industries but as you consume it, will be healthier for you. As it has a good amount of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber that help you to control your diabetes, and blood pressure, also help in reducing weight, etc.
What is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan gum is a microbial-derived polysaccharide produced by the fermentation of glucose or sucrose with Xanthomonas campestris bacteria.
There is no plant or seed through which we get xanthan gum. It is been derived from various products which contain sugar like dairy products, sugarcane, wheat, soy, corn, etc.
Basically, this gum is also used for thickening. It is been added to food items like sauces, and salad dressings, meat, dairy products, toothpaste it is used for binding which makes it uniform, for preparing water gel in cosmetics this gum is been used, As xanthan gum plays a role of substitute for saliva, it is also helpful in lowering cholesterol and weight but it may also cause low sugar problems if you consume it in much quantity.
Similarities Between Guar Gum and Xanthan Gum
As you got the idea about both gums. So, let’s talk about some similarities between Guar gum and Xanthan gum.
- The main purpose of both the gum is emulsifiers and thickeners. As they are used in recipes that are gluten-free.
- They both are having the ability to attract thickening water. Which helps them to bind the gluten-free ingredients.
- They both have the ability to combine oil and vinegar together which helps in frozen food like ice cream.
- Consuming guar gum or xanthan gum helps in reducing weight.
- This gum powder has the ability to separate the oil particles by mixing with each other.
- Gum powder has the ability to float the solid particles in water or anywhere its been added. As it does not allow the solid particles to settle down at the bottom.
Difference Between Guar Gum vs Xanthan Gum
Now you know the similarities of both gums. Then will discuss the difference between guar gum and xanthan gum.
Guar Gum vs Xanthan Gum in Food Supplements Code
Guar Gum: E412 is the e-number.
Xanthan Gum: E415 is the e-number.
Roots of Guar Gum vs Xanthan Gum :
GG: It is derived from the endosperm of guar/cluster beans
XG: It is derived from a bacterium known as Xanthomonas campestris.
Guar Gum vs Xanthan Gum: Which is Synthetic or Natural
GG: It contains mannose and galactose sugar and biologically it is a polysaccharide.
XG: It is a polysaccharide that comprises pentasaccharide repeat units, which include mannose, glucose, and glucuronic acid.
Guar Gum vs Xanthan Gum in Industrial use:
GG: Used in industries as a waterproof agent, used as disintegrator tablets, used in dairy products to thicken them like yogurt, milk, etc.
XG: Majorly used in frozen food and beverages, used as a stabilizer to prevent ingredients from separating in the cosmetics industry.
Allergic Reaction:
GG: It causes allergic reactions like itchiness, diarrhea, and flushing.
XG: It causes allergic reactions like bloating, diarrhea, and Stomach cramps.
Guar Gum vs Xanthan Gum in Cosmetic
Guar gum and xanthan gum are two of the most popular gums used in cosmetic products. Both of these gums have different properties and uses, which makes them suitable for different applications.
Guar gum is a natural thickening agent that is used to increase the viscosity of cosmetic products. It is also used as an emulsifier to help keep ingredients from separating. On the other hand, xanthan gum is a synthetic ingredient that has been developed for its stability and ability to bind water molecules. It can be used as a stabilizer, thickener, or emulsifier in cosmetics.
When comparing guar gum vs xanthan gum in cosmetics, it’s important to consider their individual properties and benefits. Depending on the application, one may be more suitable than the other.
After knowing about its similarities and difference. More or less both Guar gum and Xanthan gum are used in gluten-free recipes and products. The major difference is they are derived from different sources as one is fully naturally derived and another is derived from sugar-containing products.
Nowadays people are very health conscious as they used to check their product’s ingredients as a priority and accordingly made decisions whether to purchase it or not. Xanthan gum can be a substitute for guar gum but guar gum can’t be the substitute for xanthan gum. Another reason for Guar gum not being a substitute is that this is made from the natural plant name Gwarfali in India whose benefits are well known and its plantation is never going to end.
Conclusion:
As you understand both gums are very well and both have their own merits and demerits. If you are thinking to purchase, any of the above gums then the gum which is derived from the natural elements is the best and we Supreme Gums are a leading global supplier of Guar gum. Thinking to purchase we are here for you call us! Now for more information.