🧀 High Acyl Gellan Gum for Plant-Based Cheese Slices: Smooth Texture, Perfect Sliceability
The world of plant-based innovation has exploded, and among the standout categories is vegan cheese. For sliceable, meltable, and creamy plant-based cheese, formulators are increasingly turning to a powerful, clean-label ingredient: high acyl gellan gum.
Let's explore how high acyl gellan gum creates the perfect texture and performance in plant-based cheese slices.
🌱 What Is High Acyl Gellan Gum?
High acyl gellan gum (HA gellan) is a naturally derived hydrocolloid made through fermentation. Known for its soft, elastic, and creamy gel properties, it's a game-changer for food texture design.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Source | Fermentation of Sphingomonas elodea |
| Texture | Soft, flexible, and elastic |
| Clean Label | E418, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO |
| Use Case | Gelling agent for moist, sliceable structures |
🧩 Why Use High Acyl Gellan Gum in Plant-Based Cheese Slices?
Unlike rigid gelling agents that create brittle textures, high acyl gellan gum mimics the stretch and softness of dairy cheese. It's especially useful when aiming for sliceable, elastic formats that retain structure yet offer creamy bite.
🎯 Benefits of HA Gellan in Vegan Cheese:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 🧊 Elastic & Flexible Texture | Mimics the tender chewiness of real cheese |
| ✂️ Clean Sliceability | Holds shape under cutting — no crumbling or cracking |
| 🔥 Heat Resistance | Holds structure under mild heating, useful for melting or grilling |
| 🧬 Emulsion Stabilization | Keeps oils and water phases unified in complex vegan cheese systems |
| 🧴 Mouthfeel Enhancer | Delivers creaminess without excess fat or starches |
🧀 Application in Vegan Cheese Formulation
High acyl gellan gum is best used in combination with other common cheese ingredients like:
- Starches (tapioca, potato)
- Plant proteins (soy, chickpea, faba)
- Fats (coconut oil, sunflower oil)
- Calcium salts (for ionic gelation)
⚗️ Recommended Usage Levels:
- Typically 0.05% – 0.25%, depending on firmness and elasticity targets.
🔥 Process Compatibility:
- Works with hot-fill, pasteurization, and extrusion methods.
- Activates at ~80°C and sets into an elastic matrix on cooling.
🧪 Texture Control: HA Gellan vs. Other Hydrocolloids
| Property | High Acyl Gellan | Carrageenan | Agar | Modified Starch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elasticity | ✅ High | ✅ Medium | ❌ Low (brittle) | ❌ Low |
| Clean label | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Some debate | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Syneresis | ✅ Low | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ High | ✅ Low |
| Melting Control | ✅ Moderate | ✅ High | ❌ No | ⚠️ Variable |
🧫 Formulation Example: Vegan Cheddar Slice (Concept)
Ingredients (Sample Formula):
- Water: 45%
- Coconut Oil: 22%
- Modified Starch: 12%
- Chickpea Protein: 8%
- Nutritional Yeast: 5%
- High Acyl Gellan Gum: 0.15%
- Calcium Chloride: 0.05%
- Salt, natural color, flavor: as needed
Process:
- Disperse HA gellan in water; heat to 85°C
- Add fats, proteins, and emulsify
- Pour into molds or sliceable sheets
- Cool and set for 4–6 hours
🎯 Result: A sliceable, elastic, meltable vegan cheddar alternative with real-cheese texture.
🌍 Clean Label & Allergen-Free Innovation
Today's consumers demand plant-based cheese that's not only delicious - but also clean and safe.
✅ Vegan
✅ Dairy-Free
✅ Soy-Free (if formulated)
✅ Gluten-Free
✅ Kosher & Halal applicable
With HA gellan gum, brands can meet regulatory and consumer-friendly labeling standards.
🏭 CINOGEL BIOTECH – Reliable Supplier of HA Gellan Gum
At CINOGEL BIOTECH, we specialize in high-performance gellan gum ingredients for advanced food applications. Our high acyl gellan gum is engineered to deliver consistent quality in structured foods like cheese, yogurts, and creamy beverages.
🧪 Technical support for formulation
📦 Tailored packaging for R&D and industry
🌐 Global supply coverage
📝 Final Thoughts
High acyl gellan gum is the missing link for creating truly convincing plant-based cheese slices - offering creamy bite, elastic texture, and clean sliceability, all without animal products.
🧀 Upgrade your vegan cheese game with high acyl gellan gum.
Contact CINOGEL BIOTECH for samples, formulations, or custom blends.
