What is Suspending Beverage Gellan Gum?
Beverage Gellan Gum is an ingredient that has recently gained popularity in the food industry. It is a type of gelling agent that is commonly used to thicken and stabilize various food and beverage products.
Gellan gum is a polysaccharide, meaning it is a long chain of sugar molecules. It was first discovered by the American company Kelco in the 1970s and has been widely used in the food industry since then.
Unlike other gelling agents, such as agar or gelatin, gellan gum is produced by bacterial fermentation using a specific strain of bacteria called Sphingomonas elodea. This makes it suitable for use in vegan and vegetarian products.
Gellan Gum: Revolutionizing Suspension Beverages with Clarity and Stability
In the dynamic world of beverage manufacturing, Gellan Gum has emerged as a key ingredient in the production of suspension beverages like basil seed drinks, aloe vera beverages, Nata De Coco, and Bird Nest drinks. Its exceptional properties make it highly suitable for creating transparent suspension beverages that are both visually appealing and functionally effective.
Role of Gellan Gum in Suspension Beverages
- Suspension of Particles: Gellan Gum excels in keeping insoluble particles like chia seeds, basil seeds, coconut cubes, aloe vera, and man-made fruit cubes suspended or floating, enhancing the texture and visual appeal of the beverage.
- Low Dosage Requirement: The required concentration of LAS Gellan Gum is remarkably low, ranging from approximately 0.012% to 0.028%. This minimal usage rate makes it a cost-effective option.
- High Transparency: Solutions made with LAS Gellan Gum maintain over 90% transparency, ensuring the beverages retain their clear, inviting appearance.
Stability and Versatility
- pH Stability: Gellan Gum remains stable across a wide pH range, from pH 3.5 to pH 8.0, making it versatile for various beverage formulations.
- Heat Irreversible Suspension System: In the presence of calcium (Ca++) or magnesium (Mg++), Gellan Gum helps to establish a heat-irreversible suspension system. This feature is crucial for maintaining the suspension’s stability even after reheating for sterilization purposes.
Recommended Recipes for Suspension Beverages
A typical recipe using Gellan Gum LAS might include:
- Gellan Gum LAS: 0.02%
- Sodium Citrate: 0.02%
- Sodium Polyphosphate: 0.015%
- Calcium Carbonate: 0.04%
- White Sugar: 4%
- Citric Acid: 0.2%
- Fruit Pulps
- Parfum
- Sweetener
- Water: Adjust to 100%
Simple Application Process of Gellan Gum
- Mixing: Combine gellan gum with other materials and disperse in cold water. Adding a chelating agent can aid in dissolving the colloid.
- Heating: Heat the mixture to above 85ºC until fully dissolved.
- Adding Cations: Incorporate cations (such as Ca, Mg, Na, KCl, etc.) into the solution.
- Cooling and Forming: Cool the mixture to form a gel and establish a stable suspending system.
In summary, Gellan Gum is revolutionizing the beverage industry by offering a reliable solution for creating clear, stable suspension beverages. Its ability to maintain the suspension of various particles, coupled with its high transparency and stability across a range of temperatures and pH levels, makes it an invaluable ingredient for innovative beverage product development. With its simple application process and cost-effective usage rate, Gellan Gum is a game-changer for manufacturers looking to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of their suspension beverages. So next time you enjoy a refreshing basil seed or aloe vera drink, remember that Gellan Gum played a significant role in creating that clear, delicious experience. Cheers to the power of Gellan Gum!
Are you looking to revolutionize your beverage products? Explore the endless possibilities of Gellan Gum applications and create visually stunning and stable suspension beverages. Contact us now to learn more about how Gellan Gum can take your beverage game to the next level!
