Gum arabic, còn được gọi là acacia gum, is a complex polysaccharide harvested from the sap of Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees. It is unique among food hydrocolloids due to its excellent emulsifying properties, which arise from the protein fraction covalently bound to its carbohydrate backbone. Gum arabic produces low-độ nhớt solutions even at high nồng độs.
Điều này khiến nó lý tưởng cho beverage and confectionery ứng dụng. It is the preferred chất nhũ hóa for flavor oil encapsulation through spray drying. Nó cung cấp superior shelf độ ổn định and flavor protection. Gum arabic is also classified as a chất xơ thực phẩm and is one of the oldest and most well-characterized food additives in use.