A Basic HA Gellan Gum Beverage Formula
TechnicalA practical reference formula for beverage applications using High Acyl Gellan Gum (HA). This article explains how HA gellan gum can improve texture, suspension stability, and mouthfeel in beverage systems.
The following formula is provided for reference and product development trials only. Actual formulation should be adjusted according to raw materials, processing conditions, and final product requirements.
A Basic HA Gellan Gum Beverage Formula
Quick Overview
High Acyl Gellan Gum (HA) is widely used in beverage applications where a smooth texture and stable suspension are required.
Compared with low acyl gellan gum, HA gellan gum generally provides:
✓ softer gel structure
✓ smoother mouthfeel
✓ better compatibility with creamy systems
Typical applications include:
* plant-based beverages
* dairy drinks
* protein beverages
* nutritional drinks
The objective is not to create a gel, but to create a stable beverage structure.
Basic Reference Formula
For 100 kg Beverage
| Ingredient | Amount |
| ------------------------- | -------------------: |
| Water | Balance to 100 kg |
| Sugar / sweetener | 5–10 kg |
| Beverage base | 5–20 kg |
| High Acyl Gellan Gum (HA) | 30–80 g |
| Minerals / salts | According to formula |
| Flavor | As required |
Recommended HA Gellan Gum Dosage
Typical range:
0.03–0.08%
Equivalent to:
30–80 g HA gellan gum per 100 kg beverage
Recommended starting point:
0.05%
Why Choose HA Gellan Gum?
Many beverage systems require stability without a heavy texture.
HA gellan gum can help provide:
Suspension Stability
Helps maintain:
* fine particles
* protein particles
* plant-based ingredients
in a more uniform distribution.
Improved Mouthfeel
HA creates a softer texture compared with LA.
This can improve:
* creaminess
* smoothness
* drinking experience
Reduced Separation
HA can support stability during:
* storage
* transportation
* temperature changes
Suggested Processing Method
Step 1 — Dry Mixing
Premix:
* HA gellan gum
* sugar
* other dry ingredients
Purpose:
* improve dispersion
* reduce powder clumping
Step 2 — Hydration
Add into water under agitation.
Recommended temperature:
85–90°C
Allow sufficient hydration time.
Step 3 — Add Beverage Components
Add:
* milk or plant base
* protein ingredients
* flavors
* minerals
according to the product design.
Step 4 — Homogenization
Homogenization can improve:
* particle distribution
* mouthfeel
* storage stability
Example Application Targets
Plant-Based Milk
HA gellan gum can help improve:
* body
* smoothness
* suspension
Typical dosage:
0.03–0.06%
Protein Beverage
HA can support:
* protein dispersion
* mouthfeel improvement
Typical dosage:
0.04–0.08%
Dairy Beverage
HA may help reduce:
* sedimentation
* texture inconsistency
Typical dosage:
0.03–0.06%
Recommended Trial Design
For a new HA beverage system:
| Trial | HA Gellan Gum |
| ----- | ------------: |
| A | 0.03% |
| B | 0.05% |
| C | 0.06% |
| D | 0.08% |
Evaluate:
* viscosity
* suspension
* mouthfeel
* separation
* shelf stability
Common Problems & Solutions
Problem 1: Beverage Feels Too Thick
Possible causes:
* excessive dosage
* high solids content
* strong interaction with minerals
Solution:
Reduce HA level gradually.
Problem 2: Suspension Is Not Stable
Possible causes:
* insufficient dosage
* poor hydration
* unsuitable particle size
Solutions:
* optimize hydration
* adjust dosage
* review processing conditions
Problem 3: Different Products Need Different Dosages
This is normal.
HA performance depends on:
* pH
* calcium level
* protein content
* total solids
* processing method
The same HA gellan gum cannot be expected to behave identically in every beverage.
Practical Starting Formula
For a first HA beverage trial:
100 kg beverage
*
50 g High Acyl Gellan Gum
*
Hydration at 85–90°C
is a reasonable starting point.
The final formula should be optimized according to:
* beverage type
* texture target
* ingredient system
* processing conditions
* shelf-life requirements
This formula is intended for product development trials only. Commercial production should always be validated with actual ingredients and processing conditions.
← Back to E418.org