Glycerol ester of wood rosin (GEWR) is an oil-soluble food additive also known as glyceryl abeitate or ester gum. It is most commonly used to keep oils in suspension in water.

Glycerol ester of gum rosin is not the same as GEWR as it is produced differently and does not have the same level of scientific and regulatory approval as GEWR.

Glycerol ester of wood rosin is harvested from the stumps of longleaf (pinus palustris) and slash (pinus elliottii) pine trees and purified into a beverage-grade weighting agent. Refined wood rosin (ester gum) is reacted with food grade glycerin to produce the glycerol ester.

Glycerol ester of wood rosin acts as a stabilizer in some foods and a thickening agent in others. It is a food-grade material used in foods, beverages, and cosmetics to keep oils in suspension in water.

Foods and beverages that contain glycerol ester of wood rosin include fruit and citrus flavored sodas, lemonades, vitamin-enhanced waters, sports drinks, chewing gum, fruit coatings and confectionary inks.

Glycerol ester of wood rosin is an approved food additive in the U.S. and is permitted as a food additive in Europe.

Glycerol ester of wood rosin is used in the United States, the EU, India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Latin America.

Glycerol ester of wood rosin may be used in foods marketed as organic. Because glycerol ester of wood rosin is sourced from plants, it can also be used in products labeled as vegetarian. It is certified kosher and halal.

It increases the shelf life and stability of finished beverages.

Glycerol of wood rosin acts as a stabilizer and thickening agent in foods and beverages, allowing for stable products and consistent textures.

Glycerol ester of wood rosin is derived from the stumps of pine trees originally harvested for other uses. Because this repurposes tree materials that would’ve otherwise gone to waste, it is a renewable source and cuts down on unnecessary waste. By removing the tree stumps from the land prior to replanting it makes reforesting faster, easier and improves future growth for landowners. Combined with sustainable harvesting practices, this assures that wildlife has a stable ecosystem and increases amount of carbon that can be trapped, thus slowing climate change.

Glycerol ester of wood rosin is economical and effective in use because it is an easily accessible ingredient. It also provides food with a longer shelf-life.

Certain forms of glycerol ester of wood rosin do not contain genetically modified organisms.

Yes, however, it is primarily found in sweets and soft drinks, which can lead to child obesity if not consumed in safe quantities.

Glycerol ester of wood rosin was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in beverages in the early 1960’s. Its uses have since expanded.