Vegan Perfection: Why Gellan Gum is a Vegan Favorite

Figuring out the list of additives and excipients in your favorite nootropic can sometimes feel like learning another language. Especially if you're vegan or vegetarian.

You must pay extra attention to what's in your favorite nootropic, as some brands may cut costs by using cheaper fillers, binders, and additives that aren't vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

When it comes to Gellan Gum, though, you can set your worries aside. At HCF®, we choose Gellan Gum over traditional Gelatin capsules, and here's why.

Like most additives, Gellan Gum's story is a bit more complex.

Gellan Gum is a thickening agent added to nootropics (and foods) to create and maintain a desired consistency.

Its discovery is quite a fascinating story. In the 1970s, it was first found growing naturally on water lilies in a pond in Pennsylvania. The researchers who identified it were actually searching for a way to create artificial algae (Yes, you read that right!).

Eventually, they realized that their newly discovered biopolymer had some pretty unique properties and could potentially be used as a food additive.

Fast-forward to today. Gellan Gum is now made through fermentation (yeah, manufacturers don't just go pond-hopping to find it).

It's obtained by fermenting a specific strain of bacteria (called Sphingomonas elodea) and Glucose—though other sugars can also be used.

So, is Gellan Gum vegan-friendly?

Yes, Gellan Gum is vegan-friendly. It is produced through bacterial fermentation and does not come from animal sources.¹

In fact, it can serve as an excellent alternative to traditional Gelatin capsules (which are typically derived from animals). This can make Gellan Gum an ideal choice for those who avoid animal products for ethical and dietary reasons—and for anyone seeking cleaner-label options.

Why is this important? Gellan Gum production does not involve animals, sidestepping the ethical concerns tied to industrial animal farming. (A practice that more often than not involves inhumane treatment of animals, including overcrowded conditions, poor living environments, and cruel handling practices.)*⁴

These materials undergo pre-treatment with lime (Calcium Hydroxide) or Hydrochloric Acid to break down tissues and remove impurities.*

Collagen is then extracted through multiple rounds of boiling. The Gelatin solution that results from this process is then purified using filtration, deionization, and clarification, and finally dried into a powder or granulated form.*

It's an ugly process that uses harsh chemicals with a potential environmental impact (not to mention that the chemical waste can be challenging to dispose of).*

Combined, these factors can make Gelatin production less aligned with the clean-label standards (which emphasize minimally processed, natural products free from artificial additives and chemical residues).*

Gellan Gum aligns better with HCF®'s 7 Advances® and clean-label principles.

At HCF®, our commitment goes beyond avoiding unnecessary fillers, binders, and additives. It reflects our dedication to purity, transparency, and safety in nootropics. For us, every detail matters.

That's why our capsules are more than basic containers. They can also play an important role in optimally delivering neuro-nutrients.*

And, for those adhering to specific dietary needs (and everyone else, too), our Gellan Gum capsules can offer a vegan and allergen-free alternative. This way, no one has to compromise on their health or ethical standards.