Guar gum sales recover

The demand for guar gum is forecast to recover from the minor losses registered between 2011 and 2016, expanding almost 2% yearly to 53 million pounds in 2021.

Nevertheless, prices will remain high as feedstock supplies remain limited. These and other studies are presented in Food & Beverage Hydrocolloids Market in the US, from the Cleveland-based industry research firm The Freedonia Group.

The gains will be driven primarily by a reduced use of guar gum in oilfield applications, resulting from falling oil drilling in light of low oil prices. “In turn, more guar gum will become available for food and beverage applications,” commented research analyst Christine O’Keefe.

Baked goods are the largest market for guar gum, accounting for 35% of overall value demand in 2016. Guar gum is frequently used in gluten-free baked goods, where it helps produce an appealing texture and retains moisture. Guar gum is also a high-fibre product, although the amount used typically does not add significant amounts of dietary fibre. Through 2021, baked goods are forecast to post the slowest growth, expanding just over 5% yearly to $39 million, as demand slows for gluten-free foods.