Hydrocolloids are polysaccharides, proteins or natural gums with the ability to gel, thicken and stabilize food products by forming viscous solutions or gels when hydrated. Some common hydrocolloids include guar gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, pectin, agar, locust bean gum and carboxymethyl cellulose. These hydrocolloids are extracted from a variety of natural sources like plants, seaweeds, microbes etc. They have multi-functional properties and find applications in a wide range of food products like dairy, confectionery, bakery, meat products and beverages.
Roles Of India Hydrocolloids In Food
Hydrocolloids play some vital roles when used in foods:
– Thickeners: Hydrocolloids are excellent thickeners and can increase the viscosity of aqueous systems even at very low concentrations from 0.1-1%. This property is useful in preparations like sauces, salad dressings, syrups etc. Common thickeners are guar gum, xanthan gum, cornstarch.
– Stabilizers: They stabilize emulsions and suspensions by increasing the shear modulus. This inhibits the separation of oil and water phases in foods. Examples are carrageenan, pectin, starch, gelatin.
– Gelling agents: Certain hydrocolloids have an ability to form thermally irreversible, rigid gels. These include agar, carrageenan, gelatin, pectin, alginates. This property is utilized in preparing desserts, confectionery, processed meat products etc.
– Texture modifiers: They control gel strength, viscosity, melting rate which helps modify the texture of foods. For example, carrageenan is used for its firming effect in dairy products.
– Film formers: Alginates, pectin, gelatin act as film forming agents that creates protective coatings over foods. This is used in candies, tableted products, sausage casings.
Regulatory Status And India Hydrocolloids
All hydrocolloids are generally recognized as safe by international standards like FDA, JECFA and are approved for use in food products globally.
The global hydrocolloids was valued at USD 6.16 billion in 2019. Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest share of over 30% owing to increase in demand from food processing in countries like China and India. The Indian hydrocolloids is projected to reach USD 400 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of close to 8% during 2020-2025.
Major Domestic Players In India Hydrocolloids
Some of the key players in Indian hydrocolloids are:
– CP Kelco: It is a global producer of hydrocolloids with a manufacturing unit in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh producing gellan and xanthan gum.
– Hanuman Industries: A leading producer of guar gum and guar gum derivatives located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
– AEP Colloids: Manufacturer of food grade stabilizers, thickeners and gelling agents having plants in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
– Amba Gums & Feed Additives Pvt Ltd: A Kolhapur based company producing guar gum, locust bean gum and karaya gum.
– Shree Chemicals: It is among the top companies offering food-grade stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners and hydrocolloids from Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Major Export
The major exportfor Indian hydrocolloids are:
– Middle East: Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman constitute a big for guar products from India.
– Asia Pacific: China, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan import guar gum and guar derivatives in large volumes.
– Europe: Countries like Germany, UK, Italy, Poland are key importers of guar products, xanthan gum from India.
– North America: USA and Canada purchase Indian hydrocolloids like guar gum for oil drilling, food applications.
Outlook And Future Prospects
Going forward, the hydrocolloids in India is expected to register strong growth due to rising demand from food processing and other industrial sectors. Focus on R&D will help explore new sources and applications of these versatile biopolymers. Guar splits and guar gum derivatives will continue to drive exports in view of India’s dominance. With increasing health consciousness, development of specialty hydrocolloids will further boost . The rising incomes are likely to fuel demand for processed, packaged and convenience food segments using hydrocolloids as important ingredients. Overall, the outlook for the Indian hydrocolloids sector is quite promising in the backdrop of growing food both domestically as well as globally.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author – Alice Mutum
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice’s dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. LinkedIn