Overview of Curdlan Gum E418 Food Additive
1，What is Curdlan Gum E418?
Curdlan Gum is a microbial exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by the bacteria Alcaligenes sp. It consists of D-glucose in the C1 and C2 bits with β-glucosidase forming a non-ionic polysaccharide chain. It’s notable for its solubility in alkaline solutions (like sodium hydroxide or trisodium phosphate) but not in water, although it disperses easily in cold water and forms a stable dispersion system upon high-speed stirring. Curdlan Gum is used in various food products including flour-based items, instant noodles, tofu, meat, hamburgers, meat substitute foods, and plant-based meat products.
2，Main Source and Safety？
Curdlan Gum is derived from NON-GMO maize and is confirmed to be KOSHER, HALAL, and Vegan. It is considered safe for food use and suitable for vegan products.
3，Properties of Curdlan Gum？
- Hot Gelation: The gel strength of Curdlan increases with temperature, peaking at 130°C.
- Thermal Reversibility: Heated dispersions of Curdlan form an irreversible gel when cooled to 40°C. If heated to 60°C, it can revert to its original dispersion.
- Thermal Irreversibility: Heating above 80°C forms an irreversible gel.
- Film-forming: Curdlan can form films that are water-insoluble, biodegradable, and effective oxygen barriers.
4，Working Principle？
Curdlan Gum functions by gelation, thickening, and stabilization in food products.
5，Applications？
Curdlan Gum E424 is used in a variety of food products including flavor fermentation milk, ice cream, bean curd, fruit jams, soy protein products, gum-based candies, fresh noodles, pre-cooked and marinated meat products, sausages, canned meats, surimi, salad sauces, plant-protein beverages, instant coffee, jellies, meat casing products, and plant-based seafood alternatives.
6，Functions ？
It acts as a stabilizer, gelling agent, and thickener in food preparations.
7，Is Curdlan Gum Gel. Heat Irreversible ?
Yes, gels formed by Curdlan Gum under heating conditions, particularly at around 80°C, are known to be heat irreversible.
This means that once the gel has been formed by heating the Curdlan Gum solution to this temperature, it will not revert back to its liquid state upon subsequent cooling. The irreversible nature of the gel formation is one of the key characteristics that make Curdlan Gum a valuable additive in various food applications, especially where stability under heat is essential.
This property is particularly beneficial in applications like meat products, plant-based meat alternatives, and other food items that require stability during cooking or baking processes. The heat irreversibility ensures that the texture, consistency, and integrity of the gel remain intact even after the food product is subjected to high temperatures.
Specifications and Regulations
7，Curdlan Gum HBG-371 Specifications The specific technical parameters and testing instructions are outlined in various food safety regulations.
8，Food Safety Regulatory Standards
- USA (1996): FDA approved Curdlan Gum for direct use in food processing.
- China (2006): Approved as a novel food additive with no special limitations on daily intake.
- GB28304-2012: Chinese national standard regulating the application range, chemical name, molecular formula, and technical parameters, effective from June 25, 2012.
- JECFA Standard: Recognizes Curdlan (Beta-1,3Glucan; INS No.424) as a food additive.
9，Influences on Gel Strength
Factors that affect the gel strength of Curdlan Gum include temperature and the specific formulation of the food product.
Benefits and Purchasing Information
10，Benefits in Food Applications
- Meat and Seafood Products: Enhances flavor and texture, stabilizes products under heat or freezing, and can replace proteins like soy protein.
- Low-Fat Meat Products: Suitable for creating low-fat options in cooked meats.
- Soy Protein Products: Improves stability under varying temperatures and enhances food appearance and texture.
- Artificial Fruit Kernel: Prevents color leakage.
11，Purchasing and Pricing
Curdlan Gum is mainly produced in China, with SHINE Additives being a significant producer. It is considered a cost-effective alternative to Carrageenan.
12，Factory Location
SHINE Additives’ Curdlan Gum factory is located in China.