What is a Thickening Agent?

Thickening agents are compounds with a distinctive yet critical role to play in several industries, primarily the food industry. In this sector, the substance plays a pivotal role in a myriad of applications for its advantages in modifying the texture as well as consistency of dishes and food items like sauces, soups, jelly, soft drinks, and more. In this article, we explore exactly what it is and how it works.

What Is a Thickening Agent Used For?

Thickening agents are a class of substances, which, when added to water or another liquid transforms into a mixture, sometimes a paste. The addition of liquids activates the agent’s viscosity, which in turn, possesses the ability to modify the texture and consistency of things to which it is added. As such, they are very commonly used in the culinary world for the preparation of manufactured products as well as for regular cooking. But beyond food, these substances are also widely used in the formulation of cosmetics, paints, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, coatings, sealants, oil and gas, grout materials, printing pasts, inks, and more.

Functions of Thickening Agents

An essential component in understanding ‘how to use a thickening agent?’ is understanding what functions it performs and then proceeding forward accordingly. This is important because based on the required purpose or function that it is supposed to perform, the choice of thickening agent, and thereby its usage can differ significantly.

On the one hand, thickeners that are starch-based are typically required to be dissolved in a cold liquid to form a slurry which can be poured into a hot liquid, gelatin-based thickeners are softened or mixed into liquids and then added to the hot mixture to create a gel or jelly-like substance. The thickening process for thickeners like agar agar which is usually available in the form of sheets, for instance, is usually softened in the cold liquid before adding to the hot where it breaks down and dissolves. So, based on their function, their usage can differ. Some of the key functions it serves, particularly in the food industry, include the following:

Texture Modification: The most common use of a thickening agent is texture modification. Thickening agents for gravy, soups, sauces, jellies, and other packaged food items and freshly cooked dishes benefit from this ability of thickeners.

Flavor Distribution: Another key function that thickening agents perform is flavor enhancement through uniform distribution. Because these agents can carry flavor throughout, they ensure that every bite is as delicious as the previous one.

Visual Impact: By modifying the texture of the foods, a thickening agent for food effectively enhances the visual impact of the products to which they are added. They eliminate excess water, lending soups, sauces, and gravies, for instance, their signature smooth texture.

Stabilizing Agent: As a stabilizer, a thickening agent ensures that foods retain their textural integrity, eliminating any chances of ingredients separating over time.

Types of Thickening Agents

There are a lot of types of thickening agents which can be used for different purposes. The varying purposes, ideal for specific thickening agents, are often determined by the varying degrees of thickening that they offer. The most common thickening agents include the following:

Gums: Different types of gums including thickening agents xanthan gum, CMC, and guar gum, among others, are very commonly utilized for their ability to thicken different foods. Usually derived from plant sources, these gluten-free thickening agent types are known for being vegan.

Starch: Starch-based thickeners including potato starch, cornstarch, arrowroot, and more, as the name suggests are derived from natural foods like potatoes, tapioca, etc. These are very common and rather cheaply available thickening agents for sauces which are used for their ability to form gel-like substances when added to food.

Gelatin: This is yet another kind of thickener that is used in diverse applications such as making gummy candies and jellies. It is derived from animal bones and is used for its thickening and texture modification capabilities.

Agar: Another natural thickening agent, agar is usually derived from seaweed and is known for forming a gel-like texture in foods when added, which, when it cools, can become a solid. For this unique nature, it is used widely in making confectionary products and desserts.

Uses of Thickening Agents

Thickening agents serve a lot of different uses such as thickening agents for soup, gravies, dairy products, baked goods, ready-to-eat foods, confections, beverages, and more. As we have examined how they are useful for making soups, stews, gravies, and jellies, let’s understand their role in other products.

In Baked Goods: Thickening agents in baked goods are a staple, helping adjust the consistency and texture of the products. Because they allow moisture retention, they also help in extending the shelf life of the baked food.

In Beverages: Thickening agents in beverages such as soft drinks, packaged protein shakes, etc., help in lending the smooth texture that people enjoy while also enhancing its mouthfeel, stability, and overall shelf-life.

In Ready-to-eat Meals: These agents help enhance consistency and stability, which is especially critical for these products as they are often transported to large distances. Having a stabilizing agent that prevents the foods from going bad becomes a necessity.

In Dairy Products: As far as dairy products are concerned, thickening agents are used in products like cream, cheese, yogurt, etc., where their texture modification properties help in creating an interesting mouth feel, and prevent products from going bad quickly.

Conclusion

Thickening agents are quite an indispensable resource in the food industry for their various unique features. They help create an appealing texture, mouth feel, and appearance of the food while also adding to its stability, which is especially critical for the packaged foods and beverages segment. As a trusted food additives supplier, Mondstar is ready to meet your thickening agent needs. Please contact us for your thickener requirements.

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