FOOD HYDRO‐COLLOIDS Available to Purchase

There are few processed food products which do not contain one or more hydrocolloids in their formulation. Hydrocolloids are generally polysaccharide extracts, obtained from plants, which have a great affinity for water at relatively low concentrations (considerably less than 1%) and produce highly viscous or gelled systems. Their vital role in food products is to provide a degree of bulk structure sufficient to stabilise the product, improve its consumer appeal, and extend its shelf life.