Natural Thickeners
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What it is
Natural thickeners are ingredients derived from plants or microorganisms that increase the viscosity of food, making it thicker and smoother. They are typically extracted from sources like seeds, roots, or seaweed. Common examples include guar gum, xanthan gum, and carrageenan.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add natural thickeners to improve the texture and stability of foods, preventing ingredients from separating. They create a desirable mouthfeel in products like sauces, dressings, dairy products, and baked goods. You'll find them in items such as puddings, salad dressings, ketchup, and cheese sauces.
Health notes
Natural thickeners are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are typically consumed in small amounts and are not associated with adverse health effects at these levels. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various natural thickeners. While generally considered safe, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort with very high intakes of certain gums.
Allergen info
Most natural thickeners are not derived from the nine major allergens. However, some may be processed in facilities that handle allergens. Gluten is not typically present unless the thickener is derived from a gluten-containing source, which is uncommon.