No Substitute for the Real Thing: GRINDSTED® Locust Bean Gum

 In a world that's becoming increasingly conscious of what we put into our bodies, the demand for natural, plant-based, and sustainable food products is on the rise. Consumers are not just looking for healthier options; they want products that taste great, have the right texture, and stay fresh - longer. In the quest for achieving these attributes and more, one ingredient stands out from the pack as a versatile and reliable solution: Locust Bean Gum (LBG).

The Origins of LBG

Locust Bean Gum is a vegetable-based thickener and stabilizer derived from the seeds of carob trees that flourish in the Mediterranean region. Its long history of use dates back centuries and its true potential in the food and beverage industry is fully recognized, especially with its long list of benefits LBG is celebrated for its ability to enhance the creamy mouthfeel, texture, and shelf-life stability of a wide range of products.

Versatility and Sustainability with LBG

LBG has become a powerful product for creating plant-based, label-friendly, sustainable products. IFF offers a comprehensive LBG portfolio with more than 40 different SKUs, including standard ranges, cold-soluble grades, and even plant-based protein derived from LBG germ. The versatility of LBG opens doors to endless possibilities.

Download our Sustainability infographic here.

LBG in Action: Transforming Food Products

Let's explore some of the ways LBG revolutionizes various food products:

 Dairy: LBG is the secret behind that luxurious, creamy texture and long-lasting mouthfeel you love in dairy products like ice cream and cream cheese. It also plays a crucial role in reducing waste by preventing the formation of ice crystals in ice cream under varying temperatures and avoiding water syneresis in cream cheese helping to prolong shelf-life. 

 Plant-Based Beverages: The creamy texture and extended mouthfeel LBG provides make it an ideal choice for plant-based beverages, meeting the growing demand for dairy alternatives.

 Infant Formulas: Safety and nutrition play a critical role in infant formulas, and IFF´s 25+ years of experience in this field ensure that GRINDSTED® LBG meets all safety regulations. Our product’s thick texture effectively reduces Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) in infants, outperforming start-based alternatives.

 Pet Foods: Even our furry friends can benefit from LBG! In wet pet food, it creates a jelly-like texture, prevents synereses, and promotes a longer shelf-life.

Meeting the Demand: GRINDSTED® Locust Bean Gum

As the largest producer of LBG globally, we have over six decades of experience in manufacturing this one-of-a-kind ingredient. With an extensive supply network spanning various regions, IFF is well-equipped to meet the growing demand for LBG in the food and beverage industry. During the past few years of limited availability, IFF has taken strong measures to ensure a stable future supply.  Moving that challenge into opportunities, we have rebuilt inventory carry-over stocks as well as developed conditions of higher volume supply for future decades.

Conclusion

LBG is more than ever a premier product in the food and beverage industry providing that creamy mouthfeel, desired texture, and shelf-life stability that consumers crave. As we continue our commitment to ensuring a stable supply, you can look forward to producing your customers’ favorite products enhanced by the magic of the IFF GRINDSTED® Locust Bean Gum for years to come. So, next time you are looking for a product to make your products have the ideal texture and shelf-life, remember that there's no substitute for the real thing!

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