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What is Locust Bean Gum?

Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke

Locust bean gum is a product that comes from Ceretonia siliqua , a tree more commonly referred to as carob, that is native to Mediterranean regions. The seeds of the carob tree are removed from the tree, then dehydrated. The dehydrated seeds are heated to release their natural oils and become more flavorful before being ground up into a powder known as locust bean gum.

In the manufacturing industry, locust bean gum is primarily used as a means to thicken food products. Common items that contain the powder include salad dressing, syrup, cheese, condiments, and ice cream. In addition to food products, it can also be added to cosmetics, pet food, and even insecticides to prevent the products from becoming too thin or runny during the packaging process.

Locust bean gum may be present in salad dressings.
Locust bean gum may be present in salad dressings.

The taste of locust bean powder is similar to ground cocoa powder, but it contains less fat and calories than cocoa. It can be used in place of cocoa powder in baked goods or other desserts as a healthier alternative. The powder can also be processed into chips or bars that have a flavor and appearance that is comparable to chocolate. Unlike chocolate chips or pieces, processed locust bean does not melt evenly or produce a smooth texture.

Syrup may contain locust bean gum.
Syrup may contain locust bean gum.

Some people may prefer to consume products that contain locust bean powder because it has more fiber than chocolate or other sweeteners. Since it has fiber and lower amounts of fat and calories, the powder is often used as a flavoring agent in sweet diet food products, such as low fat cookies or ice cream. The product is also completely natural, so dieters may favor it over artificial sweeteners to cut fat and calories.

Cheese may contain locust bean gum.
Cheese may contain locust bean gum.

Gluten is a type of protein that is naturally found in many grain and bread products, such as barley, rye, and many other types of dough. People with celiac disease cannot properly digest gluten and may experience gastrointestinal inflammation if they consume products containing gluten. Locust bean gum can be used as a replacement for gluten-based products in recipes, so those with celiac disease do not have to avoid food normally made with dough, flour, or other grains. The powder can also be processed into a low carbohydrate version of flour that can be consumed by people with diabetes who have to limit their carbohydrate intake.

Locust bean gum may be featured in condiments.
Locust bean gum may be featured in condiments.

Supporters of locust bean gum believe it also has medical benefits in addition to its thickening properties, sweetening abilities, and dietary benefits. Some people claim the powder can help lower the amounts of high cholesterol in the blood. It can also be used as a natural remedy to treat coughing or diarrhea.

Discussion Comments

anon966178

I think there is a confusion between locust bean gum and carob powder. Both come from carob pods but the first from seeds and the second from the rest of the carob pod.

Potterspop

I remember an anthropology of religion class that I took in college had a very innovative teacher. One day she brought carob pods in for us to eat, telling us they were locusts!

That day I learned that some people believe the locusts that John the Baptist was said to have eaten in the wilderness, were actually the very thing we were tucking into! Because of this some people still call carob seeds 'St. John's bread'.

yumdelish

@MissMuffet - I am so envious of you being able to enjoy those cookies! Last year I tried a raw food diet to kickstart my healthy eating plan. Carob was going to be my treat food, and I bought several fake chocolate bars made from it, at the health food store.

The bad news is that I came out in the most terrible hives after eating the first one. Turns out I have a locust bean gum allergy, and I was advised to avoid this kind of food from then on.

Now I'm back on regular chocolate and sweet things and have had no more problems.

MissMuffet

Thanks for the very informative article you have written. There are several people in my family with gluten issues and after a few bad experiences cooking with guar gum my mother was getting desperate in the kitchen.

Since I read this she's switched to carob bean gum, and is able to make the best ever cookies that everyone can enjoy.

anon173223

It is listed as an ingredient in Chobani Greek Yogurt. Glad to find out it is natural.

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    • Locust bean gum may be present in salad dressings.
      By: design56
      Locust bean gum may be present in salad dressings.
    • Syrup may contain locust bean gum.
      By: Magdalena Kucova
      Syrup may contain locust bean gum.
    • Cheese may contain locust bean gum.
      By: MIGUEL GARCIA SAAVED
      Cheese may contain locust bean gum.
    • Locust bean gum may be featured in condiments.
      By: Antonio Gravante
      Locust bean gum may be featured in condiments.
    • Ice cream may contain locust bean gum.
      By: Nikolay Pozdeyev
      Ice cream may contain locust bean gum.
    • Locust bean gum may be used in cosmetics.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Locust bean gum may be used in cosmetics.
    • Locust bean gum may be added to pet food.
      By: 135pixels
      Locust bean gum may be added to pet food.
    • Locust bean gum may be used to treat coughing.
      By: Ilike
      Locust bean gum may be used to treat coughing.
    • Seeds of the carob tree are used to make locust bean gum.
      By: Uros Petrovic
      Seeds of the carob tree are used to make locust bean gum.
    • After harvesting, the carob tree's seeds are dehydated, heated, and ground to make locust bean gum.
      By: anastigmat
      After harvesting, the carob tree's seeds are dehydated, heated, and ground to make locust bean gum.