Gellan Gum is a versatile hydrocolloid that is commonly used in food and beverage products as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent. One of the applications of Gellan Gum is in the production of Jelly Suspending Beverages.
A Jelly Suspending Beverage is a beverage that contains suspended fruit pieces, fibers, or other particulates, similar to a jelly or jam. Gellan Gum is used in these types of beverages to provide a stable suspension of the particulates, preventing them from settling to the bottom of the container. Here is an example formula for a Jelly Suspending Beverage that uses Gellan Gum:
- Water: 80%
- Sugar: 5%
- Fruit juice concentrate: 10%
- Gellan Gum: 0.2%
- Citric acid: 0.1%
- Natural flavor: 0.2%
- Preservative: 0.05%
- Fruit pieces: 4.45%
The Gellan Gum is added to the formula at a concentration of 0.2%, which is enough to provide a stable suspension of the fruit pieces. The Gellan Gum forms a three-dimensional network that traps the fruit pieces and prevents them from settling to the bottom of the container. The citric acid and preservative help to maintain the stability of the product, while the natural flavor provides a desirable taste.
Gellan Gum is particularly effective in Jelly Suspending Beverages because it forms a strong and elastic gel at low concentrations, which helps to maintain the suspension of the particulates. Additionally, Gellan Gum is heat-stable, pH-resistant, and compatible with a wide range of ingredients, making it a versatile ingredient for beverage formulations.
Overall, the addition of Gellan Gum to a Jelly Suspending Beverage formula provides a stable suspension of the particulates, improves the texture and mouthfeel of the product, and enhances its visual appeal.
