Guar Gum
Guar gum is a mucilage and thickening agent derived from guar seeds. It is used as an ingredient in food and industrial applications to increase viscosity and stabilize mixtures.
Prices, specifications and international trade for guar gum under HS 130232.
Guar Gum Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Guar gum is quoted in USD/t at IND. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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India led reported guar gum exports in 2025, at $408M.
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Guar gum grading factors include Modification status.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for guar gum considers Modification status.
- Modification status
Whether the guar gum is supplied as modified or unmodified, as indicated in the HS classification.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for guar gum include Lumps or agglomerates, Dark specks or foreign matter, and Low viscosity due to degradation.
- Lumps or agglomerates
When the powder is wetted, lumps can form due to poor dispersion or high moisture; these can cause uneven thickening and are difficult to dissolve, reducing its effectiveness in formulations.
- Dark specks or foreign matter
Visible dark particles or extraneous material can indicate incomplete cleaning of the seeds or contamination during processing, which can affect the aesthetic quality of the final product.
- Low viscosity due to degradation
If the gum is exposed to heat, acid, or enzymatic activity during processing, its molecular weight can be reduced, leading to lower viscosity; this is a critical defect as it reduces the gum's functional value.
Guar Gum Facts and HS Code
Guar gum belongs to ingredients and additives within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 130232.
Guar Gum HS Code
| Also known as | Locust bean gum |
|---|---|
| Product type | Intermediate |
| Form | Milled |
| Position in the chain | Processed |
| Category | Ingredients and additives — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 130232 |
| HS6 description | Mucilages and thickeners; whether or not modified, derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seeds |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | IND |
Production & Handling
Guar gum storage guidance: Store guar gum in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Protect it from moisture ingress because even slight humidity can cause caking or reduce viscosity, and keep it in sealed containers to prevent contamination and absorption of ambient odors.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Store guar gum in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Protect it from moisture ingress because even slight humidity can cause caking or reduce viscosity, and keep it in sealed containers to prevent contamination and absorption of ambient odors. |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical guar gum packaging includes Multi-wall paper bag with inner liner, FIBC (bulk bag), and Sealed polyethylene-lined drum.
- Multi-wall paper bag with inner liner
This standard packaging for food-grade guar gum provides moisture barrier and mechanical strength, suitable for smaller lots and easy handling in food manufacturing.
- FIBC (bulk bag)
Flexible intermediate bulk containers are used for large-volume purchases where the gum is pneumatically conveyed into storage silos or mixers, reducing labor and packaging waste.
- Sealed polyethylene-lined drum
Drum packaging offers added protection against moisture and contamination, often used for premium or specialty grades that require more careful handling.
Uses & Risks
Guar gum is used in Food thickener and stabilizer, Ice cream stabilizer, and Pet food binder.
End Uses
- Food thickener and stabilizer
In food products such as sauces, dressings, and dairy desserts, guar gum is used to increase viscosity and prevent ingredient separation, giving a consistent texture and mouthfeel.
- Ice cream stabilizer
Guar gum slows ice crystal growth and provides a smooth body in ice cream, helping maintain a creamy texture when the product is subject to temperature fluctuations.
- Pet food binder
In wet pet foods and treats, guar gum acts as a binder to hold ingredients together and manage moisture, improving the product's visual appeal and palatability.
- Oilfield fracturing fluid
In the oil and gas industry, guar gum is used as a gelling agent in hydraulic fracturing fluids to transport proppants and improve the efficiency of extraction.
- Pharmaceutical excipient
Guar gum is used in tablets and suspensions as a binding or controlled-release agent, helping to deliver active ingredients in a predictable manner.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food and beverage manufacturing, Dairy and frozen dessert production, Pet food manufacturing, Oil and gas services, Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Drought stress ClimateHigh Guar is a rain-fed crop, and severe drought during the growing season can drastically reduce yields, leading to supply shortages and price volatility. | Diversify sourcing from multiple geographical regions and maintain strategic inventory reserves to buffer against crop failures. |
Adulteration with cheaper gums FraudMedium Guar gum can be mixed with less expensive polymers such as starch or xanthan gum to increase volume, which dilutes viscosity and alters functionality. | Establish a quality assurance program that includes viscosity testing and analytical verification of the galactomannan content. |
Bacterial blight PestMedium Bacterial blight can infect guar plants, causing leaf spots and wilting, which reduces photosynthetic capacity and leads to lower seed yields. | Select disease-resistant seed varieties and implement crop rotation to reduce the pathogen load in the soil. |
Guar Gum Questions
- What is guar gum and how is it classified?
- Guar gum is a mucilage and thickener derived from guar seeds, listed under HS sub‑heading 130232 as a vegetable‑derived thickening agent.
- What quality specifications are typical for guar gum?
- Quality is defined by its purity as a mucilaginous powder, with specifications covering moisture content, viscosity and the presence of any modifiers.
- How should guar gum be stored to maintain its properties?
- Guar gum should be kept in a dry, cool environment, protected from moisture and direct sunlight to prevent clumping and loss of thickening efficiency.