What is a natural food thickener?

What Is a Natural Food Thickener?

Natural food thickeners are substances used to increase the viscosity of a liquid without altering its other properties such as taste or nutritional value. These thickeners are often preferred for their minimal processing and natural origins, which align with consumer preferences for clean-label ingredients. Common natural food thickeners include starches, gums, and pectins, each serving distinct roles in culinary and industrial applications.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Natural Food Thickeners
2. Types of Natural Food Thickeners
3. Applications in Food Industry
4. Hemings Company Solutions
5. References

Understanding Natural Food Thickeners

Natural food thickeners function by absorbing water and forming a gel-like consistency. This property can be attributed to their molecular structure, which allows them to interact with water molecules, thus expanding in volume and increasing the overall viscosity of the food product. Their effectiveness can be affected by factors such as temperature, pH level, and the presence of other ingredients.

Types of Natural Food Thickeners

• Starches:

  Derived from sources like corn, potato, and tapioca. Native starches typically thicken when heated, while modified starches can provide thickening at cooler temperatures.

• Gums:

  Examples include guar gum, xanthan gum, and locust bean gum. These polysaccharides are highly effective even at low concentrations, with xanthan gum being effective at 0.1-0.2% by weight.

• Pectins:

  Extracted from fruits such as apples and citrus. Pectins are predominantly used in jams and jellies, with high-methoxyl and low-methoxyl variations catering to different sugar levels and pH conditions.

• Agar-agar:

  Seaweed-derived agar functions well in desserts and jellies with optimal usage levels around 1-2% of the recipe's total weight.

Applications in Food Industry

Natural thickeners are crucial in the formulation of sauces, soups, beverages, and dairy products. They can enhance the mouthfeel, stabilize emulsions, and improve the shelf-life of products. In the bakery sector, thickeners like guar gum can help retain moisture, while in dairy products, they contribute to creaminess and stability.

Hemings Company Solutions

Hemings Company is recognized for its innovative approach in developing natural thickener solutions. Their offerings include customized blends of gums and starches tailored to specific industry needs. Hemings' solutions often emphasize reduced calorie content and enhanced nutritional profiles, providing both functionality and health benefits.

References

• Smith, J. (2020). The Science of Food Thickeners. Food Chemistry Journal.
• Johnson, L. & Lee, K. (2019). Culinary Applications of Natural Thickeners. Journal of Culinary Science.
• Hemings Company. (2023). Product Catalog. Hemings Official Website.