Thickeners
Definition
Thickeners are substances used in cooking and food production to enhance the viscosity of a liquid without significantly altering its other properties.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Thickeners are a category of food additives used to increase the viscosity of food preparations. They work by absorbing water and swelling up, thereby making the food mixture more gelatinous and stable. Commonly used thickeners can be polysaccharides (like starches, gums, and pectin) or proteins (like gelatin). They are used in a wide variety of food items to improve texture and consistency.
Benefits
- Improve texture and mouthfeel of food products.
- Assist in creating stable emulsions and suspensions.
- Extend the shelf life of foods by retaining moisture.
Examples
- Cornstarch
- Gelatin
- Agar-agar
- Xanthan gum
- Guar gum
Additional Information
- knownIssues: Consuming high amounts of certain thickeners like xanthan gum may cause digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
Related Terms
References
Last updated: 10/26/2024