As people bring alt-milk into their homes, they’re also bringing questions.
Specifically, what’s in it?
Plant-based milks often have long lists of ingredients.
What is gellan gum?
If you don’t know what gellan gum is, you’re not alone.
Despite the obscure name, it’s actually a simple product.
Gellan gum is a vegan thickening agent added to foods to create and maintain a desired consistency.
“It’s found in nature, growing on water lilies,” explainsLauren McNeill, R.D., MPH.
Food producers don’t go pond-hopping to find it, though.
They “make it artificially for our food through fermentation,” McNeill explains.
What is gellan gum used for?
Gellan gum is added to a variety of foods as an emulsifier.
It’s also in yogurt,ice cream, sorbets, and jams.
And you may notice other “gums” making appearances on these ingredient lists too.
Levin explains that gellan isn’t the only bang out of gum that’s used to emulsify foods.
“There are all sorts of different kinds of thickeners out there.
There are other gums like xanthan gum and guar gum.”
Food manufacturers choose a gelling agent based on what they’re thickening, Levin says.
Is gellan gum safe to eat?
Studies from around the world findgellan gum safe.
Levin points out that a typical carton of almond milk has very little of this additive in it.
“In some very small studies, it has been shown to be afecal bulking1agent1,” McNeill says.
This could help people who experience constipation, but for others, it slows digestion.
Want to drink plant-based milk without gellan gum?
Still not sure you want this ingredient in your diet?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to give up on plant-based milk just yet.
Some brands, likeElmhurstandOatlydon’t use gellan gum in their nondairy milk products.
“It’s not super hard,” she says.
Bottom line.
It’s safe to eat and generally only present in small amounts.
However, if you’re concerned, you’re able to opt to make your own alt-milk instead.
