Benzoic Acid vs Locust Bean Gum: which is worse?

What is Benzoic Acid?

Benzoic acid is a naturally occurring aromatic carboxylic acid found in cranberries, prunes, cinnamon, and many berries. It is used as a preservative against bacteria, yeast, and fungi at pH below 4.5. In the body, benzoic acid is conjugated with glycine to form hippuric acid, which is excreted in urine.

What is Locust Bean Gum?

Locust bean gum (LBG) is a galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), native to the Mediterranean. It is a fine white to yellow powder that forms a thick gel when dissolved in hot water. It synergizes strongly with xanthan gum and carrageenan to enhance gel strength.

Documented risks

Benzoic Acid: When benzoic acid (or sodium benzoate) is combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in beverages, it can form benzene, a known carcinogen classified as Group 1 by IARC. This reaction is promoted by heat and light. The FDA and EFSA monitor benzene levels in beverages and have set informal guidance limits. A 1999 Lancet publication and the subsequent 2007 'Southampton study' did not directly involve benzoic acid, but sodium benzoate was included in the tested mixture. Some individuals with aspirin sensitivity may react to benzoic acid. The ADI is 5 mg/kg body weight/day.

Locust Bean Gum: Generally recognized as safe. EFSA's Panel on Food Additives confirmed the safety of LBG in 2017, noting no concerns at current dietary exposures. It functions as a soluble dietary fiber and can have mild prebiotic effects. No significant adverse effects have been documented in human or animal studies at food-relevant doses.