Toom Garlic Spread's Core Ingredients
Toom's original garlic dip is made with a surprisingly short and recognizable list of ingredients. According to the product label, the core components are based on the same simple formula as traditional Lebanese toum, though with minor additions for commercial stability. The primary ingredients are non-GMO expeller-pressed canola oil, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt. This combination creates the creamy, pungent, and tangy profile that fans love.
The Role of Each Component
- Canola Oil: Serving as the base, the canola oil is whipped with the garlic and lemon juice to create the emulsion. A neutral-tasting oil is crucial for toum, as it prevents the oil's flavor from overpowering the strong garlic. The expeller-pressed and non-GMO designation appeals to modern health-conscious consumers.
- Fresh Garlic: As the star of the show, fresh garlic provides the characteristic sharp, intense flavor. The quality and freshness of the garlic are paramount to the final taste. It also contains compounds that act as a natural emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and liquid without the use of eggs or dairy.
- Lemon Juice: The acidic lemon juice adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the garlic's intensity. It plays a dual role in both flavoring the spread and helping to stabilize the emulsion during the whipping process.
- Sea Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor and helps to draw out the moisture from the garlic, which aids in creating a smooth paste before emulsification.
Additives for Shelf Stability
Toom's commercial recipe includes two additional ingredients not typically found in traditional homemade toum, which help to ensure a consistent, long-lasting product:
- Maltodextrin: This is a food additive derived from corn that serves as a thickener and stabilizer. It helps to prevent the separation of the emulsion over time, which is a common issue with homemade versions.
- Citric Acid: As a natural preservative and flavoring agent, citric acid helps to extend the product's shelf life and adds a bit of extra tanginess. It complements the lemon juice and keeps the spread fresh for longer.
A Comparison: Toom vs. Traditional Toum
| Feature | Toom (Commercial) | Traditional Toum (Homemade) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredients | Canola Oil, Fresh Garlic, Lemon Juice, Sea Salt | Neutral Oil (Canola, Grapeseed), Fresh Garlic, Lemon Juice, Kosher Salt |
| Added Stabilizers | Maltodextrin, Citric Acid | Typically none; some recipes use ice water or boiled potato |
| Shelf Life | Extended, often several months | A few weeks to a couple of months |
| Dietary Status | Certified Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher | Generally vegan, though some may add egg white; usually gluten-free |
| Texture | Very consistent and creamy due to stabilizers | Can vary; requires careful, slow emulsification to prevent breaking |
| Flavor Profile | Balanced and consistent | More intense, sharp, and variable depending on garlic quality |
The Vegan Evolution of Toom
Originally, Toom's formula included a touch of egg white powder, which is a common addition to help with emulsification in some recipes. However, as of late 2022, Toom Dips updated their recipe to be completely egg-free and vegan. This was a significant step for the brand, expanding its appeal to a wider audience with dietary restrictions. The new formula relies solely on the natural emulsifying properties of the garlic, with the assistance of maltodextrin, to achieve its signature creamy texture. The company is now certified vegan, gluten-free, and kosher, and the product is also keto-friendly, which is a major selling point.
Culinary Applications
Understanding the ingredients in Toom allows you to better appreciate its versatility. The simple, robust flavor profile makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from traditional Middle Eastern dishes to everyday meals. It's a staple for pairing with shawarma, falafel, and grilled meats, but it also shines as a simple dip for pita bread or vegetables. The creamy texture makes it a perfect sandwich spread, and it can even be thinned out with a little water or lemon juice to create a flavorful salad dressing or marinade.
Conclusion
What are the ingredients in Toom garlic spread? The answer is a blend of simple, high-quality components and two key food additives. While based on the traditional Lebanese recipe known as toum—which uses just fresh garlic, neutral oil, lemon juice, and salt—the commercial Toom version incorporates maltodextrin and citric acid for enhanced shelf stability and texture consistency. It is a certified vegan, gluten-free, and kosher product, making it a versatile and accessible choice for many diners. Its reliance on fresh garlic ensures a bold flavor, while the careful emulsification process results in the whipped, creamy texture that has made it a popular condiment.
For those interested in making a traditional, additive-free version at home, there are many excellent resources available, such as this recipe for Whipped Toum.
