Best Guar Gum Substitutes (How To Use Them)

Are you all out of guar gum but are making a recipe that calls for it? Have no fear! There are a number of great substitutes you can use instead of guar gum no matter what you are making.

And whether you need a gluten free or gluten substitute for guar gum, we have you covered. You will also learn the best way to use each of the alternatives so your recipe will turn out great.

So what are the best substitutes for guar gum?

The top guar gum substitutes are xanthan gum, agar agar powder, chia seeds, egg whites, arrowroot powder, flaxseed, gelatin, psyllium husk, and all-purpose flour.

The key to using a substitute for guar gum is getting the ratio right and using the best replacement for your type of recipe. Read on for the complete rundown.

Guar Gum Alternatives

Guar gum is used in all types of gluten free recipes. And whether you are making a baked dish or a cold recipe, you will find the best alternatives for guar gum as well as how to use them just below.

Guar gum can be used as a simple thickener or as the base to a baked dessert, and no matter how your recipe uses guar gum, you will find a suitable replacement right here.

Xanthan Gum

Popularly used in everything from dips, to dressing, to ice cream, xanthan gum is a popular vegan friendly and gluten free substitute for guar gum.

Xanthan gum is produced by fermenting corn sugar and it works well in many recipes that call for guar gum.

Xanthan gum can be used in cold dishes but it is best suited in baked and cooked recipes.

Related: Xanthan Gum Substitutes

Equivalent
1 tablespoon xanthan gum equals 1 tablespoon guar gum

Agar Agar Powder

Agar agar powder is another exceptional gluten free substitute for guar gum. It can be used in many types of recipes and truly shines when used to make bread, cake, and just about any other baked recipe.

Like most gluten free options, agar agar powder will need to be boiled in liquid for a few minutes prior to adding to your other ingredients.

Related: Agar Agar Powder Substitutes

Equivalent
1 teaspoon agar agar powder equals 1 cup guar gum

Chia Seeds

When crushed and soaked, chia seeds make a wonderful gluten free substitute for guar gum and can be used in all types of recipes.

Chia seeds are nearly flavorless so you will not be introducing any unwanted flavors to your final dish.

And they are also simple to prepare. Bring two parts water to a boil for each one part crushed chia seeds. Add your seeds to the boiling water and stir for about five minutes. Remove and strain excess liquid before adding your chia seeds to your other ingredients.

Equivalent
1 teaspoon crushed and boiled chia seeds equal 1 cup guar gum

Egg Whites

Egg whites are incredibly versatile as they serve as both a thickening agent as well as a binder. While they are not vegan friendly, egg whites provide a lot of protein making it a great option for baked goods.

I have found that egg whites alone are not a great substitute for guar gum in homemade breads. But when combined with chia seeds or psyllium husk, they work wonderfully in breads.

Equivalent
2 egg whites equal 1 cup guar gum

Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot is gluten free, corn free, dairy free, soy free, and vegan friendly. It also is a fine substitute for guar gum in nearly any recipe.

Arrowroot can be used in baked desserts, soups, dressings and more. It is also readily available at most grocery stores as well as being priced affordably.

Related: Arrowroot Powder Substitutes

Equivalent
1 cup arrowroot powder equals 1 cup guar gum

Flaxseed Flour

Flaxseed flour or ground flaxseed is an excellent substitute for guar gum in cold and baked dishes. I particularly like using flaxseed flour in baked dishes that must be gluten free.

If grinding your own flaxseed, add two parts boiling water to one part flax seed and stir for about eight minutes.

Equivalent
1 cup flax seed flour equals 1 cup guar gum: 1 teaspoon ground and boiled flaxseed equals 1/2 cup guar gum

Gelatin

Unflavored gelatin is an excellent binding agent and can be used in many baked recipes that call for guar gum.

Gelatin must be mixed in cold water prior to adding to jelly or mouse recipes. But can be used dry in most other types of dishes.

Gelatin is a solid gluten free option when baking breads or even cake.

Equivalent
1 tablespoon gelatin equals 1 cup guar gum

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is a popular, natural substitute for guar gum that can be used in baked or cold recipes. It is very versatile with added benefit of being high in soluble fiber.

Not only can psyllium husk be used in almost every recipe that calls for guar gum, you do not need to add any preparation steps when using it unlike some other options on our list.

Equivalent
1 cup psyllium husk equals 1 cup guar gum

All-Purpose Flour

If you are looking for a gluten substitute for guar gum look no further than good old fashion all-purpose flour.

If baking or looking for a thickener, all-purpose flour is probably the most versatile option you can use. And on top of that, this kitchen staple is likely already in your pantry.

Equivalent
1 cup all-purpose flour equals 1 cup guar gum

Guar Gum Replacement FAQ

Can you use cornstarch instead of guar gum?

Yes, cornstarch can be used instead of guar gum when being used as a thickening agent. When you need a substitute for guar gum in baked goods you are better off using chia seeds or arrowroot powder.