· Gellan gum is a food additive that’s also used at times in industrial settings or cosmetic products. It’s made from bacterial fermentation and helps bind, texturize and stabilize ingredients, keeping them from separating and adding a gel texture or creaminess.
· The bacterial strain called Sphingomonas elodea forms this gum. It has not been found to be toxic even when consumed in large amounts, however using a very small amount only in moderation is still recommended.
· It’s usually vegan/kosher and found in products like vegan dairy replacements, desserts like creme brulee, fruit spreads, whipped cream, marinades, noodles, yogurt, sherbet and ice cream. It isn’t used nearly as much in processed foods as the other gums or emulsifiers, so in pure form it may be harder to find if you’re interested in using it at home.
