Ingredient · Updated

Gellan gum

Neutral in 9 Flagged in 2

Found in 11 productsSee all

What is Gellan gum?

Gellan gum is a polysaccharide created through fermenting carbohydrates by the Sphingomonas elodea bacterium. It's typically processed into a powder that can be used in a variety of food and beverage applications.

Used primarily as a thickening and stabilizing agent, gellan gum assists in forming gels, giving products a desired texture and consistency. While generally considered safe by food safety authorities, its impact on health can vary depending on individual digestive sensitivities and dosage.

When you see gellan gum on a label, it is useful to note its role in improving texture and stability, often replacing gelatin in vegan and vegetarian products.

Commonly found in: dairy alternatives, jellies, puddings, beverages, confections

What to watch

  • High consumption may lead to digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

  • Provides a vegan alternative to gelatin for texturing.
  • Usually added in minimal amounts, contributing negligibly to the calorie content.
FDA

Gellan gum is approved as a food additive by the FDA and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

Research

Research generally supports the safety of gellan gum, although responses may vary among individuals.

Vegan

Gellan gum is plant-derived and typically suitable for vegan diets.

Sources: Code of Federal Regulations on Food Additives

Scout's take

Microbial-fermentation-derived thickener; inert and safe at typical concentrations.

The case against

May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals when consumed in large amounts.

from the analysis of Planet Oat ORIGINAL OATMILK · echoed in 2 other analyses

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort, but this is rare at typical usage levels.

from the analysis of Blue Diamond Almonds UNSWEETENED ALMONDMILK, VANILLA

Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort.

from the analysis of Blue Diamond ALMONDMILK, UNSWEETENED ORIGINAL

The case for

Enhances texture and stability in food products, improving consumer experience.

from the analysis of Califia Farms TOASTED COCONUT ALMONDMILK BLEND

Improves texture and stability of the product, providing a smooth consistency.

from the analysis of Planet Oat ORIGINAL OATMILK

Provides texture and stability to the product, enhancing consumer experience.

from the analysis of Blue Diamond ALMONDMILK, UNSWEETENED ORIGINAL

Improves texture and stability of the product without altering flavor.

from the analysis of Dannon Two Good Vanilla Yogurt - 32oz

Provides stability and improves texture in food products.

from the analysis of alpro Growing Up Soya Drink 1-3 Years U.H.T. 4 x

More from Scout's analyses

Gellan gum is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of processed foods. It is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation. While generally recognized as safe, it is an additive that contributes to the ultra-processed nature of the product.

from the analysis of Blue Diamond ALMONDMILK, UNSWEETENED ORIGINAL

Gellan gum is a gelling agent used to stabilize and thicken food products. It is produced through bacterial fermentation and is considered safe for consumption. It is commonly used in plant-based milks to improve mouthfeel and prevent separation.

from the analysis of Califia Farms TOASTED COCONUT ALMONDMILK BLEND

Gellan gum is a polysaccharide used as a gelling agent and stabilizer in processed foods. It is a synthetic additive that can affect the texture of food products. While it is generally safe, its presence indicates a higher level of processing.

from the analysis of Planet Oat ORIGINAL OATMILK

All 11 products with Gellan gum

Where Gellan gum shows up

Higher-scoring picks without Gellan gum

Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Gellan gum, scoring 80 or above.

Scan any product to see every ingredient explained — and healthier swaps.