Food and beverage companies are increasingly incorporating gum arabic into their products for various applications. This natural ingredient serves as an emulsifier in plant-based beverages, forms a hard shell around candies, and adds bulk by replicating the texture of sugar when sweeteners are removed. Additionally, gum arabic is sustainable and helps consumer packaged goods (CPGs) move towards cleaner labels, aligning with trends that are becoming more significant in food consumption. Food developers appreciate gum arabic for its stability against pH fluctuations, versatility in numerous formulations, and ability to endure temperature changes during processes like pasteurization.
“We are extremely pleased that the FDA recognizes acacia gum as a fiber and allows it to be labeled as such,” stated Frédéric Alland, CEO of the natural gum supplier Alland & Robert in France. He characterized this development as “great news for American consumers.” The diverse applications and advantages of gum arabic have rapidly increased its prevalence in food products, including well-known brands such as M&M’s, Gatorade, Starburst jelly beans, and chewing gum, with many more uses anticipated.
Persistence Market Research estimates that by the end of 2025, global consumption of gum arabic will exceed 165 thousand tons, valued at approximately $476.1 million. “It’s truly a workhorse,” remarked Derek Holthaus, then-senior principal scientist at Ingredion, in an interview with Food Dive last year. “It accomplishes nearly every task except for adding viscosity.” The potential inclusion of gum arabic in the FDA’s definition of dietary fiber could further enhance its appeal, likely boosting demand among consumers and food manufacturers alike. As health and wellness become increasingly prioritized by shoppers—especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—ingredients like gum arabic are well-positioned to thrive.
Research indicates that dietary fiber can offer numerous health benefits, such as helping to regulate blood glucose levels and potentially reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and heart disease. However, most consumers fail to meet the recommended daily intake of 28 grams, averaging only about 15 grams per day. “Based on our evaluation of the scientific evidence and other relevant information submitted with the petition, we conclude that the evidence demonstrates that gum acacia has a physiological effect beneficial to human health,” stated the FDA in its letter dated December 17.
Gum arabic is primarily harvested in Africa, notably in countries like Chad, Senegal, Ethiopia, and Sudan. The gum is extracted from the acacia tree by scoring its bark, which allows the substance to ooze out. Farmers then gather the hardened exudates from the exterior of the tree. As the market for health-focused products grows, the potential inclusion of gum arabic in bariatric calcium chews may further expand its appeal, aligning with the increasing consumer demand for nutritious and health-promoting ingredients.