Gum Arabic Powder: The Complete FAQ Guide In 2024

1.What Is Gum Arabic Powder?

Gum Arabic Powder

Gum Arabic powder which is also known as; acacia gum Arabic powder, Arabic gum powder, Acacia Powder, Senegal Gum powder, or Indian gum is absolutely a natural component obtained from natural sources such as the acacia tree.

This magical powder reaches you via passing through a series of processes including from harvesting to final packaging. By assessing the nature of gum Arabic powder; it is an acidic polysaccharide as it is composed of 90% polysaccharide content (D-galactose, L-arabinose, L-rhamnose, and D-glucuronic)., cumulatively high-molecular-weight glycoprotein, and low-molecular-weight heterogeneous sugars.

This is the reason; gum Arabic offers you an amazing sticky texture in your formulation as upon reacting with water it bonds with water molecules and forms a consistent and highly viscous solution. That’s why in various companies; gum Arabic powder is preferably used as a suspending agent in their products.

2.What Is the Origination of Gum Arabic Powder?

Gum Arabic Powder

The story of gum Arabic powder begins with small spiny shrubs of Acacia that are commonly seen in sandy and sterile regions with harsh and dry weather conditions.

You guessed right! Africa- this is mostly found in the region of North Africa where the climate is comparatively very hot! Particularly in Sudan. Although, to a smaller extent, it is also found in India, Australia, and the Arabian Peninsula.

In ancient days, it was observed that during drought, the tree’s bark split itself where an exuding sap oozed out which upon reacting with moisture and air dries into droplets or tears.

It looked like an oval tear of orange-red color.
Gum Arabic is usually harvested in December.

Historically, natives collected the mass of gum from trees by pulling them or once they dropped down on the ground. They were packed in baskets and then stacked in leather for trading in North Africa. It is believed that 70% of the economy relies of Sudan relies on gum Arabic.

3.What Are Acacia Gum Powder Nutrition Facts?

Nutrition Facts of Acacia Gum Powder- Picture Courtesy: Cape Crystal

Acacia gum powder is harvested and manufactured following certified guidelines worldwide to produce an optimized powder with promising nourishment.

If you want to use gum Arabic powder in your meal plan, then follow the mention chart below.

Acacia Gum Powder Nutrition Facts
Calories	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value
Fats	52kCal	3%
Sat. Fat	N/A
Mono. Fats	N/A
Trans. Fats	N/A
Carbs	13g	4%
Sugar	N/A
Fiber	N/A
Proteins	0g	0%
Cholesterol	N/A
Sodium	N/A

Charts Illustrate Nutritional Value For 1TBS Or 15 Gram- Table Courtesy: Perkchop

Remember, this nutrition fact may slightly vary depends on type of brand and grade of acacia powder.

Protein present in gum Arabic powder: 1 tablespoon contains 0 grams proteins.

Carbohydrates present in gum Arabic powder: 1 tablespoon contains 13 grams of carb.

Calories content in gum Arabic powder: 1 tablespoon contains 52kcal calories while 99 kcal in 1 oz.

4.What Are Common Grades of Gum Arabic Powder?

Previously, gum Arabic was simply taken from the hardened sap but now the gum Arabic powder is basically categorized into the following basic types or grades that depend on the collection of the resin and its mechanism of preparation:

Grade 1: Hashab (Acacia Senegal)

Gum Arabic Powder Grade 1- Picture Courtesy: Drytech

This is also known as Hand Picked Selected (HPS) and ground form of gum Arabic powder which is indeed a very expensive grade. This form of gum in Arabic is considered the cleanest as well as a light in color form available in the large particles. The preparation of grade 1 gum Arabic powder mainly involved sifting and milling where sifted material is used and dust is removed.

This is normally demonstrated with pale to orange- brown coloration that is mainly composed of 85% of soluble dietary fibers. Means, that grade 1 gum Arabic is used in various food products and beverages.

Grade 2: Talha (Acacia Seyal)

Gum Arabic Powder Grade 2

As compared to grade 1, this is slightly lower in the quality standards that may exhibits some variation in the color, texture, and density.

This is known as flaky gum means it is easy to crumble to form powders. This is demonstrated with yellow-brown color and readily soluble in water.

The grade 2 gum Arabic powder is also used in medicines, foods, and beverages and is considered as economical in the terms of batch preparation whereas consistency is less precise to grade 1.

Grade 3: Gum Sokoto (combretum)

Grade 3 Gum Sokoto- Picture Courtesy: FoodNavigator

Grade 3 Gum Sokoto which is also known as combretum or Nigeria Grade 3 is a combination form that is much darker in color and may composed of species other than Acacia, which is why it is known as a mixed gum Arabic powder.

This form of Gum Arabic powder is readily available at a cheap price in East & West Africa with no toxicological or safety data which is why it is not suggested to use in food and additives in many countries.

5.What Is Gum Arabic Powder Used For?

Mainly Gum Arabic powder is popular in the food and beverage industries. With time, this usage has transformed to various other applications as well. What those uses of gum Arabic powder is, you will see it below:

Frozen Dough

Gum Arabic powder in frozen dough- Picture Courtesy: Sugar geek show

To make frozen dough for bread, cakes, pizzas, pastries, cupcakes, biscuits, etc kneaded flour is used. What every manufacturer faces is a shorter half-life of this dough. Therefore, gum Arabic powder which is mixed in preparation and is considered as a best solution that helps in the storage life of frozen dough.

Confectionery Products

Gum Arabic powder in confectionery

In confectionery products, the phenomenon of crystallization is very common. It is an unwanted process where sugar molecules crystallize and settle down (liquids) or aggregates which affects the quality of the product.

Gum Arabic powder acts as a defender to prevent this process from occurring.

The sugar gum Arabic is prepared by mixing gum Arabic powder in boiling water and is suitable for all confectioneries such as sweets or mithai, Arabic halwa, donuts, etc.,

Dairy Products & Sherbets

Gum Arabic In Dairy Products- Picture Courtesy: Recipe Runner

Due to possessing a stabilizing property. It is used in dairy products such as flavored yogurts, ice creams, and flavored milk, to prevent ice crystals and provide a smooth texture to your product. Its 0.5% concentration in dairy products are safe and used to make stable and quality formulations.

Carbonated Beverages

Gum Arabic powder in Carbonated drinks- Picture Courtesy: Thingtesting

Everyone loves fizzy carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Marinda, etc., this is not only because of taste but the sprouting of bubbles is another reason for its popularity.

Gum Arabic powder in carbonated drinks is mostly incorporated to attain an emulsified flavor which is nevertheless a key ingredient used in cokes.

This is an irreplaceable component that allows carbon dioxide molecules to remain stable in beverages for a longer time. There’s no doubt, that the soul of Coke is ‘fizz’ which is only attained by using gum Arabic powder that maintains carbon dioxides in such drinks.

6.What Are Arabic Gum Powder Benefits?

Gum Arabic powder offers a multitude series of benefits to you. For example,

When formulating your product you opt gum Arabic powder, which offers you the several beneficial properties. For example:

Dispersing Agent

Dispersing Agent Gum Arabic Powder- Picture Courtesy: Woman's Day

This means, when you incorporate gum Arabic powder in your preparation. It will help in the dispersion of all added ingredients equally. You won’t be scared of unbalancing components when added this key ingredient. In canned foods and syrups, it is suggested to used 1% gum Arabic powder to prevent settling of ingredients.

Binding Agent

Gum Arabic Acts As A Binder- Picture Courtesy: Tasting Table

In various products, whether it is medicinal, foods, paper, etc., it is used due to its binding properties.

Have you wondered how tablets are firm but disintegrate when swallowed?

This is because of gum Arabic powder that ensures strong binding of all ingredients. Similarly, in liquid products various ingredients are equally and uniformly formed; this is also due to an emulsifying property of gum Arabic powder that keeps them intact.

Adhesive Agent

Adhesive Agent Gum Arabic Powder- Picture Courtesy: Dough Tech

You can enjoy fried foods without feeling heavy when using gum Arabic powder in the batter. Many professionals use gum Arabic powder 2% in their food batter so less chance of absorbing more oil inside which improves batter adhesion and making food more enjoyable.

Emulsifying Agent

Gum Arabic Powder Emulsifying Agent- Picture Courtesy: Thoughtco

Acacia gum powder has ability to bring molecules of solution all together and keep them mixed and in emulsifying form hence making more compatible and promising solution.
For example, if you’re mixing oil and water; due to differences in phases, they will separate after some time.

Adding gum Arabic powder as an emulsifying agent would make them strongly firm together and nothing can harm their bond.

Thickening Agent

Thickening agent- Picture Courtesy: Kitchen Alchemy

Gum Arabic powder gives viscosity to your solution by dissolving a chain of polysaccharide complexes and forms bonds with other molecules of the system to enhance the thickness and consistency of the formulation. In various preparations such as syrups, lotions, gels, etc., it serves as a thickener.

7.How To Make Gum Arabic Powder?

To make gum Arabic powder, you need to check its layout for a clear understanding:

Picture Courtesy: regulation.gov

Collection of Raw Gum Arabic

Collection- Picture Courtesy: Australia Ubuy

An acacia tree is naturally possessed with gum or sap. Sap is actually a sticky substance that comes out of the tree when you mark any cut on it. Simply, it is like a blood that provides nutrients to trees. Upon cut, a Sap is produced that hardens in the environment and is collected manually.

Mechanical Grinding

Allpack DLF-45S Herb Grinding Machine

The second step to making powder is to reduce the size of the sap. This is hard in structure therefore you need a grinder to minimize the size.

For that, you can subject the sap to a grinder or mill for further processing. This step is mostly required with hammer mill, and grinding machine to cut gum Arabic into small pieces.

Sieving/ Sifting

Allpack Vibro sifter

After grinding the sap, it is not sure that all particles formed are uniform in sizes. indeed, a bunch of powdery gum Arabic is composed of irregular sizes where some are large, medium or small particles.

To make uniform size product; sieving is done where particles of different grades are separated by using sieving with different mesh sizes.

This step needs machines like a vibro sifter or a vibratory sieving machine to attain the same size particles.

Powdering & Spray Drying

Allpack High Speed Centrifuge Atomizing Dryer

This is almost the final stage where gum Arabic powder is subjected three sections,

First, it is dried using a high speed drying machine to reduce the chances of moisture content.

Allpack High Function Pulverizer

Further size reduction is done to get a fine texture and smooth product. Therefore, further grinding is done to achieve a product that looks like flour. The machines involved in this step are known as micronizer or pulverizing machines that help in further size reduction without dust formation.

Allpack Fluidized Bed Dryer

Next, the powder material is transferred to a spray drier to evaporate any minute particle of moisture left behind. This step is necessary to ensure that the powder is completely dried with a lighter texture. A gum Arabic spray dried powder is achieved by using a hot air spray dryer machine.

Packaging

Allpack premade pouch packaging machine

Beautiful, safe, and temper-evident packaging is done for final marketing and distribution. It depends upon you to select containers such as jars, pouches, and sachets.

In this case, there are huge series of packaging machines available in the market such as vertical fill-form-sealing machines, Horizontal fill-form-sealing machines, jars fillers, etc.,

8.How Long Does It Take for Gum Arabic Powder to Hydrate?

Dissolving gum Arabic- Picture Courtesy: Reviving Hijama

Gum Arabic powder starts hydrating when subjected to water. Yes, penetration of water happens by each molecule which may take time.

As discussed above, gum Arabic powder is composed of heterogeneous complex polysaccharides structure, which means it takes time to reach water molecules inside and bind with them.

Therefore, it is observed that a complete hydration of Gum Arabic powder may take 2 to 3 days.

This process can be catalyzed by inducing some heat. When you provide heat to the mixture, it will help to break down the strong bond of gum Arabic powder and provide an easy way for water molecules to react and dissolve the powder.

The commonly used temperature is about 140° F (60° C) with gentle stirring is helpful in dissolving gum Arabic powder.

In the first 3 minutes, the reaction of water with gum begins to take place whereas a homogenized solution in 5 to 15 minutes without lumps can be formed with a dramatic difference. This procedure requires constant stirring. So, Temperature, Timing, and stirring are everything.

9.Why Gum Arabic Powder is Difficult to Dissolve? How to Avoid lumps when added to water?

Tricks for Easy Dissolving Gum Arabic- Picture Courtesy: Lost in Color

When you add water to powder gum Arabic it starts dispersing simultaneously, this ultimately results from information of balls or agglomerates that have dry powder inside where water cannot reach.

This is the most troublesome when dissolving gum Arabic powder as it is more prone to form a lump. So, to avoid this you must follow:

Pre- Hydrating Ingredients

You can add pre-hydrated ingredients which may be the easiest way to form a solution. This helps in the expansion of particles and allows easy hydration. For example spray dried gum Arabic.

Picture Courtesy: Drytech

Emulsifying Mixer

Using a high-shear emulsifying mixer and slowly sprinkling gum Arabic into the machine helps in the formation of smooth and uniform dispersion.

Allpack High Speed Emulsifying Mixer

Adding Dry Ingredients

The blending of gum with adding other dry ingredients such as 1:10 (1 part of gum with 10 parts of sugar), with mixing the addition of water can allow hydrating with no complications of lumps.

Picture Courtesy: Nature Garden

Slurries with Oils

In other general practices, gum with oil slurries is prepared using (1:5) 1 part gum with 5 parts of a solvent such as soyabean oil or any solvent like propylene glycol can make a coat around the gum and minimize the chances of a lump reacting with water.

Picture Courtesy: Thoughtco

10.What Foods and Beverages Contain Gum Arabic Powder?

Gum Arabic powder is an excellent source used since the Stone Age where it was derived in Sahara as a food but used as an adhesive in African regions. It was early reported that Cleopatra used this substance in her lipstick as well as in foods. Let’s see some major foods and beverages that contain gum Arabic:

Cakes	It is used in cake and baking products batters to make a stable formulation enhancing smoother texture and sponginess and extended shelf life.	Cakes- Picture Courtesy: DGT
Candies	In making candies, it is required as a thickener and a stabilizer that protects crystallization and forms a smooth and consistent appearance.	Candies- Picture Courtesy: Modern Honey
Caramel & Chocolates	In all sweet products, chocolates, shakes, juices, and caramels; it is used as an emulsifier and prevents against formation of crystallization.	Caramel & Chocolates-Picture Courtesy: Cooking Classy
Ice-Cream	To maintain long-lasting taste, smoothness, sugar and flavoring balance, and creaminess, it is required in ice cream.	Ice Creams
Coke/ Carbonated Drinks	It helps in the preservation of carbon dioxide molecules that play a significant role in the formation of sodas, carbonated drinks, and fizzy beverages where it ensures that maintain sugar molecules in drinks do not settle down.	Carbonated Beverages
Nuts and Dried Fruits	Gum Arabic powder acts as a binding agent therefore, its 15 to 40% level helps in improving binding properties and is used in low-fat cakes, and as a polisher and coater in nuts and dried fruits to enhance more glossiness.	Nuts And Dried Fruits- Picture Courtesy: Omega Food
Dairy and Yogurt	Dairy companies use gum Arabic powder as a stabilizer which helps reduce the separation problem that is common in dairy products. Hence its uses are helpful in maintaining smoothness and evenness in yogurt and other related products.	Yogurts

11.How Does Gum Acacia Powder Benefit Your Health?

Health Promoting Benefits of Gum Acacia Powder- Picture Courtesy: Metagenic Blog

Gum Arabic acacia powder is beneficial to your health; here we have described the major benefits of gum Arabic powder:

Better Digestion Gum Arabic powder acts as a dietary fiber, which means when you consume it, it increases bulkiness to stool and supports bowel movement which is required to treat constipation. Therefore, this is a good tonic used for a healthy digestive system.

Improving Good Bacteria In your gut, some microbes live that are beneficial as they support gastrointestinal flora and protect them against harmful bacteria. Gum Arabic powder contributes to stomach health as it acts as a prebiotic that may minimize the risk of GI diseases and keep you safe.

Anti-inflammatory Agent Whether it is bone-related inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, or intestinal inflammation; Gum Arabic powder is equally beneficial in these conditions as it combats with inflammatory mediators and reduces the risk of progressing these problems.

Managing Obesity This is rich in dietary fiber, when you eat or consume it, you feel fullness which is preferable to promote satiety and ultimately support weight management.

Diabetes Type II Management Intake of Gum Arabic Powder is useful in controlling sugar as it slows down the absorption of sugar present in the bloodstream hence clearing it from the body. So this helps in controlling hyperglycemia.

Lowers cholesterol Gum Arabic powder helps in lowering blood cholesterol which is the major risk factor behind heart-related problems. This means this is also considered a heart health booster.

12.Is Gum Acacia Powder Safe for Children?

Is it okay to take gum Arabic powder for children- Picture Courtesy: Fatherly

Yes, it is safe for children, if you observe the origin and nutritional content present in gum Arabic powder, then you will get to know it is well tolerated and much nutritional for people of different age groups.

Moreover, the FDA and GRAS also recognized gum Arabic powder as a safe ingredient for various foods and related products. However, you can check if you child may suffer any allergy or sensitivity to carb or may cause intolerance. Nevertheless, nothing to worry for its adverse effects that seldom occur.

13.How To Use Gum Arabic Powder in Gummies?

Gum Arabic Powder And Gummies- Picture Courtesy: Botani Brand

To make gummies, you will be required certain ingredients:

• Water- 2 cups
• Gelatin- six tbs
• Gum Arabic powder- 4tbs
• Flavorant- 4- 5 drops
• Sugar- up to your taste

Instructions

Take a wide-mouth pot and pour water into it. Now sprinkle gum Arabic powder along with gentle mixing, the reason behind gentle mixing to avoid foam formation. Allow absorption time which is around 3 to 4 minutes.

Now add gelatin with gentle mixing. Allow ten to fifteen minutes for full bloom. Then turn on stove to melt gelatin with gently stirring. Add other ingredients and simmer the solution for few minutes and turn off the stove.

It's time to fill the gummy Molds.

Place it in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes, once they set their shapes remove them from the mold and allow it further to stay 24 to 48 hours to acquire shape and elasticity.

14.How Do You Make Gum Arabic Powder into Liquid?

Make Gum Arabic Powder Into Liquid- Picture Courtesy: Bankinfo

To make gum Arabic powder into liquid you will need to follow the instructions below:

• Take measuring by following the ratio of 1:2, which means 1 part of gum Arabic with twice the quantity of water.
• Take water and warm it or use boiling water and let it cool down till it reaches 140F or equivalent to 60 degrees. Sprinkle gum Arabic powder and allow gentle stirring to avoid lump.
• Maintain the temperature till you get a solution where gum Arabic powder is dissolved completely into liquid. To keep gum Arabic solution protected against microbial growth, you can add few (2-3) drops of essential oil such as eucalyptus oil, clove oil, or any other as preservative.

15.How to make gum Arabic powder for watercolor?

Gum Arabic Powder For Watercolor- Picture Courtesy: Art Instructions

Gum Arabic powder is used as a binder in watercolor. It allows the pigment to stay fix when making a paint. To make gum Arabic powder for watercolor, please see below instructions:

Ingredients

• Gum Arabic Powder- 100gms
• Water- 333gms
• Pigments- up to your requirement
• Honey- 10% (enhance smooth mixing of pigments)

Instructions

• Make a gum Arabic powder into a liquid the way we discussed above.
• Use 1 part of solution and 1 part of pigment to make a paste.
• Continuously mix them in order to achieve a paste with a thick consistency.
• Transfer smooth paste into jar and secure it with a cap.

16.Differentiate: Gum Arabic Liquid Vs Powder?

Gum Arabic Liquid Vs Powder- Picture Courtesy: Harvard Art Museum

The basic difference between gum Arabic liquid vs powder is:

• A liquid gum Arabic is easy to mix with other ingredients without worrying about clumping. Gum Arabic powder is way more technical to use as compared to liquid which is available in already dissolved form.
• A gum Arabic powder is cheaper than a liquid gum Arabic.
• Liquid gum Arabic is easy to react to and takes less time during formulation whereas Gum Arabic powder requires more time during formulation,
• Gum Arabic liquid has a shorter shelf life, and you have to use it in a limited time frame. However, gum Arabic powder offers you a greater shelf life because it is less susceptible to progress microbial growth.

17.How Much Gum Arabic Powder Is Safe for You? Why Gum Arabic Powder May Be Harmful?

Gum Arabic Powder- Picture Courtesy: provision Kenya

There are no direct side effects of Gum Arabic powder. However, it may be harmful to you and may result in digestive problems in some groups of people especially when taken in large quantities.

Their side effects include:

• Gas or bloating,
• Nauseatic feeling in the morning,
• Viscous saliva in the mouth,
• Diarrhea,
• Or other digestive-related ailments.

To control undesirable effects, it is recommended to take gum Arabic powder less than 30 grams each day. The commonly used concentration in various recipes is around 10 grams. On the other hand, a research report in 2017 suggested that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers gum Arabic powder safe. This means no side effects are reported even at high doses.

So, if you belong to a certain group of populations that’s allergic to gum Arabic powder or may suffering some digestive problems related to carbohydrate intolerance then you should avoid using gum Arabic powder. Otherwise, if you’re insensitive to it, you won't feel any side effects.

18.Where To Buy Gum Arabic Powder?

Gum Arabic Powder- Picture Courtesy: Ingredi

Purchasing gum Arabic powder is now very easy; due to its wide application and various benefits, this product is available in various categories of buying platforms.

Grocery Stores

Many grocery stores near you offer easy grabbing of gum Arabic powders as it is used in routine bakeries and confectioneries.

Pharmacies

Due to various health-related indications and for compounding gum Arabic powder is easily accessible in local pharmacies.

Herbal Stores

This is the main hub where you can easily buy gum Arabic powder with various grades forms and price ranges.

Food Stores

Food products suppliers, bulk retailers, and general retailers or stores are easy ways to buy gum Arabic powder.

Online Platform

There are various online platforms offering you to buy gum Arabic powders of various concentrations, grades, and prices. This includes Alibaba, Amazone, ETSY, eBay, Walmart, Coles, etc.,

19.When Gum Arabic Powder Expires?

Allpack fluidized bed dryer extends shelf life of gum Arabic powder

Gum Arabic powder expiry ranges from 2 to 3 years. This is based on the type of packaging and its sealing. If packaging is done with an airtight system following vacuum sealing, then it can give a high shelf life of around 3 years.

However, if sealing is opened or damaged then it is recommended to not use. Moreover, if you see any change in color, odor, or powder is smelly then it is a warning sign that the powder is not able to be used.

It is suggested to use a cool and dry place to attain its verified shelf life and product stability. In case of humidity, it may progress fungal or microbial growth. That’s why dry storage conditions are paramount. Similarly, temperature fluctuations may affect the quality of powder by forming clumps.

Conclusion

After reading the blog on Gum Arabic Powder: The Complete FAQ Guide in 2024, you will be able to trust this magical fibrous product that solely offers various properties and is well-accepted in manufacturing sectors for making foods, medicines, cosmetics, and other products. Sudan is the principal source of exporting gum Arabic powder worldwide and contributes in rising your economics, business, and health. If you have more queries in mind, just click on Message and send us. Allpack experts will shortly contact you to answer your queries.