Used to thicken plant-based milks, guar gum is a staple within the espresso world, however has managed to fire up a little bit of controversy through the years. At present, we be taught extra concerning the ingredient.

BY ANGEL CASTILLO
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Featured photograph by Jason Nguyen

In case you work in espresso, chances are high that you just’ve heard of guar gum—however maybe you aren’t fairly certain what it’s. We frequently see it listed as an ingredient in espresso creamers and various milk, however just lately, a motion for “gum-free” merchandise has begun to catch wind.

At present, we’ll demystify this widespread ingredient, dissect the controversy round it, and discover its place within the specialty-coffee world.

What’s guar gum?

Guar gum comes from the guar bean (also called the “cluster bean”), a legume that’s used as a pure thickener, binder, and stabilizer in lots of meals and even beauty merchandise. The ingredient is gluten-free and vegan, and it’s excessive in soluble fiber. In keeping with PubMed Central, guar gum can promote digestive well being and should assist decrease blood sugar attributable to its fiber slowing down sugar absorption. Healthline stories that guar gum can be helpful for reducing ldl cholesterol.

Why the controversy?

If guar gum is proven to have constructive well being advantages, why is there immediately a motion for creamers and plant-based milks which can be particularly “gum-free”?

Guar gum, when consumed carefully, isn’t essentially “good” or “unhealthy.” Whether or not or not consumption is trigger for concern comes right down to the quantity that’s consumed, an individual’s particular person dietary wants, and meals sensitivity. 

Within the Nineteen Nineties, the FDA banned the usage of guar gums in weight reduction merchandise after a weight reduction drug known as Cal-Ban 3000 led to detrimental unintended effects for a lot of customers, and even resulted in fatality for some.

The drug used a excessive quantity of guar gum, which swelled ten occasions the scale after being consumed—very like how chia seeds enhance in dimension when soaked in water. The guar gum used within the drug was meant to maintain customers fuller for longer, however as an alternative triggered bloating and intestinal obstruction, inflicting severe well being points for a handful of individuals.

Moderation is essential

Whereas the Cal-Ban 3000 scenario triggered a scare round guar gum, it’s essential to notice that the load loss drug used a excessive quantity of the ingredient—a lot greater than what you’ll discover in a serving of your typical various milk.

For the reason that ban of this drug, the FDA created a most requirement dosage of the ingredient, with many meals resembling coconut milk solely containing 1% of the ingredient. The PubMed Central research discovered no important unintended effects from guar gum in dosages beneath 15 grams. And for shoppers who do have a sensitivity to the ingredient, the unintended effects of average consumption are sometimes gentle.

“In giant quantities, guar gum could also be dangerous and might trigger detrimental unintended effects,” Healthline reported. “Nonetheless, the quantity present in processed meals is probably going not an issue.”

Making an knowledgeable resolution, for your self & your clients

Understanding what guar gum is and the way it can have an effect on the physique can assist you make a extra knowledgeable resolution about what various milks and creamers you select to devour or supply at your espresso store. As well as, it may aid you educate clients with well being issues on what precisely is of their drink.

Guar gum, when added to various milk, can create that “additional creamy” texture baristas usually search for in milk substitutes, and in small quantities, it’s just about innocent. Nonetheless, for patrons with meals sensitivities, wanting into gum-free choices could also be value a shot.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An artist based mostly in Los Angeles, Angel Castillo is host of a South American meals pop-up, Gatitos Cocina. Their household has a historical past of rising espresso in Ecuador and continues an at-home follow in San Diego, California.

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