In today’s food and beverage landscape, consumer expectations are changing faster than ever.
Shoppers want products that are not only delicious and convenient but also healthier, more transparent, and sustainably sourced. This shift has fueled the rise of clean-label and plant-based formulations, two of the most powerful forces shaping product development in North America and beyond.
For research and development teams, this trend presents both opportunity and challenge. How can brands deliver the creamy textures, stable structures, and long shelf lives that consumers expect – all while removing artificial additives, allergens, and ingredients that are difficult to pronounce?
One answer lies in a natural ingredient that has been quietly relied upon for decades: locust bean gum (LBG).
What is locust bean gum – and why now?
Locust bean gum is a hydrocolloid derived from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), which grows abundantly in the Mediterranean region. Long used as a natural thickener and stabilizer, LBG is prized for its ability to deliver smooth viscosity, enhance mouthfeel, and improve freeze/thaw stability.
But in the current clean-label era, LBG is attracting renewed attention. Unlike synthetic additives or chemically modified stabilizers, LBG is 100% plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for developers working across multiple categories:
- Dairy and non-dairy products Yogurt, cream cheese, and plant-based milks
- Frozen desserts Ice creams and dairy-free alternatives
- Baked goods Gluten-free cakes, muffins, and breads
- Sauces, soups, and dressings For smooth textures and stable emulsions
- Plant-based meat and seafood alternatives To build structure and bite
From a formulation perspective, LBG works well both on its own and in synergy with other gums such as xanthan and carrageenan. It performs consistently across temperature and pH ranges, making it a versatile ‘go-to’ solution for R&D teams seeking stability without compromise.
The market context: Clean-label and plant-based growth
The demand drivers for LBG are clear. According to recent market research, the global clean-label ingredients market is projected to grow at over 6% annually, while the plant-based food category has surpassed $8 billion in US retail sales.¹⁻²
Consumers are not just reading labels – they’re making purchase decisions based on them. Phrases like ‘all natural’, ‘no artificial additives’, ‘gluten-free’, and ‘vegan’ are no longer niche; they are expectations. Brands that can meet these demands while delivering taste and texture are best positioned for long-term success.
In this context, locust bean gum provides a natural bridge between functionality and consumer trust. It enables developers to simplify ingredient lists while maintaining or even improving product performance.
Need for stable, transparent supply chains
Like many natural ingredients, LBG has faced its share of challenges – particularly around availability, sourcing consistency, and pricing. Global supply fluctuations in recent years highlighted the need for stable, transparent supply chains that can deliver consistent quality.
This has opened the door for ingredient specialists with deep expertize and vertically integrated operations. Companies that can control sourcing, processing, and distribution are better positioned to ensure batch-to-batch consistency while keeping supply secure.
A case study: Efecan Ingredients expands to US market
One such example is Efecan Ingredients, a company that has focused exclusively on locust bean gum for more than 20 years. In fact, the company recently marked a major milestone: expanding to the US market with a new locust bean gum warehouse in New Jersey.
Unlike commodity traders, Efecan manages the entire journey of LBG ‘from pod to powder’. Carob pods are harvested in the Mediterranean and processed in a dedicated, purpose-built facility established in 2022. The production process uses advanced, well-established techniques to deliver consistent quality — resulting in a clean-label ingredient with superior whiteness, low speck count, and a neutral taste.
Efecan also operates under some of the highest global quality standards, including an A+ BRCGS rating (the top food safety certification level), along with Kosher, Halal, and Sedex compliance. Equally important, the company works directly with local carob farmers, building long-term partnerships that support sustainable agriculture and ethical sourcing.
Efecan Ingredients is setting a new benchmark for locust bean gum supply in the US, combining technical expertise with reliability that brands can trust.
Bringing LBG closer to US manufacturers
For North American brands, one of the biggest hurdles with specialty ingredients has been access. Shipping times, freight costs, and supply chain disruptions can create uncertainty for product developers.
To address this, Efecan Ingredients has expanded through its sister company, Selin Food Inc., with a newly stocked warehouse in Paterson, New Jersey. This move gives American manufacturers faster access to premium LBG, along with:
- Shorter lead times and reduced logistics costs
- Immediate availability of samples for trials and reformulation
- In-house technical support tailored to US customer needs
- Reliable inventory for long-term planning
For brands struggling with sourcing challenges, Efecan’s presence in New Jersey offers an immediate solution. For R&D and purchasing teams alike, local stock combined with global quality standards provides the best of both worlds.
Looking ahead: The role of LBG in clean-label innovation
As the clean-label and plant-based movements continue to accelerate, locust bean gum is well-positioned to play a central role in the next generation of food and beverage products. Its ability to deliver functionality, stability, and consumer-friendly labeling makes it a powerful tool for developers navigating today’s market pressures.
For brands, the choice of supplier will be just as important as the choice of ingredient. Working with partners who understand both the science and the supply chain behind LBG can make the difference between a formulation that simply works – and one that truly stands out.
Locust bean gum may not be new, but its relevance has never been greater. In a food system increasingly defined by transparency, sustainability, and functionality, LBG offers a natural, proven solution that bridges consumer expectations with technical performance.
And with companies like Efecan Ingredients bringing global expertise and local availability together, US food brands now have the opportunity to unlock the full potential of this clean-label stabilizer – naturally, reliably, and sustainably.
References
- Markets and Markets. Clean label ingredients market.
- Good Food Institute. U.S. retail market insights for the plant-based industry.