Although a number of substitutes have been proposed , only one , carob powder, has been used on a significant commercial scale. Carob powder is produced from the pods of the leguminous tree, ceratonia siliqua, which is grown in eastern Mediterranean countries. The tree is also the source of carob gum (locust bean gum) , which is used in foods as a stabilizer and gelling agent. Carob undergoes a similar processing to cocoa, which it resembles in colour, appearance, taste and flow properties. Beverages are available in which cocoa has been entirely replaced by carob, although in some cases up to 20 cocoa is present.