Flaxseed gum

Flaxseed gum suppliers and sourcing guide

Flaxseed gum is the mucilage from the outer seed coat of flax (Linum usitatissimum). It is extracted by soaking whole or dehulled seed in warm water, separating the viscous extract from the seed, then concentrating and drying it, or it is recovered from flax hulls. It is a mixture of neutral and acidic polysaccharides. Brands buy it as a powder for gluten-free baking, egg replacement, sauces, beverages and cosmetic gels.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Gums, emulsifiers and thickeners
Also known as: Flax mucilage · Linseed gum · Linum usitatissimum seed mucilage · Linseed mucilage
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of flaxseed gum

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

Food grade powder
Dried mucilage powder, often light tan, for food and supplement use.
Cosmetic grade
Liquid or powder extracts sold for hair and skin care formulations.
Organic
Gum from certified organic flaxseed.
Hull-based products
Milled flax hull products rich in mucilage, a less purified alternative.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Viscosity: Viscosity of a stated solution, the main functional value.
Moisture, protein and ash: Loss on drying plus residual protein and ash from the seed.
Polysaccharide or soluble fiber content: Total carbohydrate or soluble fiber content by the supplier's method.
Heavy metals: Lead, and often arsenic, cadmium and mercury, by ICP-MS or AAS against the supplier's specification or Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) limits.
Microbiology: Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms and Salmonella.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store flaxseed gum sealed in a cool, dry place away from humidity, since the powder absorbs water quickly and cakes. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of moisture, viscosity and microbiology for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Viscosity and protein content vary with flax variety and extraction, so record them from each COA and test viscosity in your own formula when lots change.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists flax mucilage, from the seed of Linum usitatissimum, with non-medicinal purposes as a stabilizing agent and thickening agent.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Flaxseed gum suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking flaxseed gum suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell flaxseed gum? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of flaxseed gum can brands buy?

Common forms include food grade powder, cosmetic grade, organic and hull-based products. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for flaxseed gum include?

Expect viscosity, moisture, protein and ash, polysaccharide or soluble fiber content, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should flaxseed gum be stored?

What is the regulatory status of flaxseed gum?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists flax mucilage, from the seed of Linum usitatissimum, with non-medicinal purposes as a stabilizing agent and thickening agent.

More gums, emulsifiers and thickeners

All 45 gums, emulsifiers and thickeners

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing