Gum Acacia

Gum acacia exudate forming on tree bark, harvested by tapping wild trees across sub‑Saharan Africa.

Gum acacia, also called gum arabic, is the dried exudate of acacia trees native to the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa. It has been used in food manufacturing for centuries and is one of the most widely applied hydrocolloids in the world. Both commercial species (Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal) carry the same regulatory identity (INS 414 / E414), are recognized as dietary fiber under FDA 21 CFR 101.9, and are kosher, halal, non-GMO, and gluten-free.

The functional difference between the two species is the arabinogalactan-protein (AGP) fraction. Senegal carries higher AGP content and stronger interfacial activity, which makes it the standard for beverage emulsion and cannabis nano-emulsion. Seyal carries higher total polysaccharide content and lower viscosity at high solids, which makes it the standard for spray-dried flavor encapsulation, fiber fortification, tablet binding, and mouthfeel work.

PAT stocks both species in spray-dried powder and agglomerated forms, conventional and Oregon Tilth NOP certified organic grades, in US warehouses, with full lot documentation. The two species pages below carry the deep technical detail and per-application guidance.

Each species is available in two physical forms. Spray-dried powder is fine and free-flowing, dissolves fast, and is the default for direct addition to aqueous phases. Agglomerated has a larger particle size, improved flowability, and reduced dust generation, which makes it the default for large-volume dry-handling and dust-sensitive operations. Both forms are available in conventional and Oregon Tilth NOP certified organic grades, giving four primary grade families per species and eight grades across the gum acacia line.