Gelatin differs from other types of hydrocolloids, as it is derived from collagen, an animal protein. Collagen is extracted from cows, pigs, or fish, and the properties of gelatin are affected by the source, age, and type of collagen. Gellan gum is an important hydrocolloid in the food industry and is widely used as a food additive in health supplements, due to its high content of protein and amino acid. The hydrocolloidal nature of gellan gum has numerous applications in confectionery products (for imparting chewiness, texture, and foam stabilization), jelly deserts (for creaminess, fat reduction, and mouthfeel), dairy products (for stabilization and texture), and meat products (for water-binding). Other applications of gellan gum are in fruit toppings for pastry, instant gravy, instant sauces and soups, and edible food films for confectionery products. It is also used as a stabilizer in ice cream, cream cheese, and cottage cheese.

The use of food hydrocolloids in the confectionery industries has been increasing in the past few years. In the confectionery industry, hydrocolloids are of increasing importance as dough and batter making improvers. They are widely used in confectionery goods to enhance dough handling properties, overall quality of fresh products, and to extend shelf-life of stored goods. In addition, some studies have reported the use of hydrocolloids as fat and gluten substitutes in the formulation of gluten-free bread and as therapeutic fiber sources. These developments have further resulted in the growth in the use of the food hydrocolloids in confectionery industries.