This article provides an overview of acacia, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make acacia substitutes.
What is Acacia Gum?
Acacia gum is a natural gum consisting of the hardened sap of two species of tree, usually harvested in Sudan or Sahel. Acacia gum has a complex mixture of glycoproteins and polysaccharides, that is safe for human consumption, making it a suitable food and beverage stabilizer and thickening agent.
It is often added to icings, soft candy, chewing gum and gomme syrup.
What does Acacia Gum taste like?
Acacia gum has no taste and is not eaten alone, it is used only for structural purposes.
Is Acacia Gum readily available in Supermarkets?
Acacia gum may be difficult to find in local supermarkets and often not sold for commercial use. To buy, you may need to go to a food trade supplier or a specialist online retailer.
What are some alternative names for Acacia Gum?
Acacia gum is often referred to as gum Arabic, Arabic gum, Indian gum, or Senegal gum, they are all the same thing.
What is a good substitute for Acacia Gum in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for acacia. These include:
- The two best substitutes for acacia gum are
- Guar Gum
- Xanthan Gum
- More accessible alternatives also include
- A slurry of Cornstarch and water
- Gelatin
- Eggs
- Agar Agar