Abstract: A food glaze composition for coating food items including bakery products. The glaze composition includes one or more natural or modified vegetable gums and is eggless and protein-free. The composition imparts a shine, aids in browning, retards moisture loss from the glazed product, and can be applied to food products before and/or after baking and freezing. The glaze composition is also effective in controlling the development of mold, yeast and bacteria.