E412 · Guar gum
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E412?
Guar gum is a thickening and stabilizing agent derived from guar bean seeds, added to dairy products, sauces, soups, and baked goods to improve texture and consistency. It is a soluble fiber that can also be found in higher-dose supplement form for appetite or blood-sugar management, though such uses are separate from its role as a food additive.
Also appears on labels as: Guar Gum, E412, E 412, E-412, INS 412, Guaran, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum, Guar flour, Guar bean gum, Guar polysaccharide, Guar hydrocolloid, Thickener 412.
What the evidence says
- Can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea if consumed in large amounts due to its high fiber content.
- Concentrated guar gum supplements (not food-additive levels) have been linked to esophageal or intestinal blockage in rare cases; food-use levels are much lower and considered safe.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels by EFSA and FDA.
Frequently asked questions
Is E412 safe?
Our overall verdict for E412 (Guar gum) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E412 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Guar gum — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E412 and why is it used?
Guar gum is a thickening and stabilizing agent derived from guar bean seeds, added to dairy products, sauces, soups, and baked goods to improve texture and consistency. It is a soluble fiber that can also be found in higher-dose supplement form for appetite or blood-sugar management, though such uses are separate from its role as a food additive.
Does E412 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Guar gum.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.