E413 · Tragacanth
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E413?
Tragacanth is a natural gum exuded from the sap of Astragalus shrubs, used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in sauces, confectionery, and baked goods. It has a long history of food and traditional medicinal use and is considered safe at approved levels, though it is less commonly used today than gums like guar or xanthan.
Also appears on labels as: Tragacanth, Gum Tragacanth, E413, E 413, E-413, Natural gum tragacanth, Astragalus gum, Goat's thorn gum, Tragacanth gum powder, Tragacanth resin, Tragacanth exudate, Gomme adragante.
What the evidence says
- Rare allergic or hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, similar to other plant gums.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels; EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake.
Research behind the verdict
- Tragacanth: Traditional Plant Exudate Safety Assessment — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources, EFSA Journal - Plant Gums Assessment (2017). A comprehensive evaluation of tragacanth (E413) examining its safety profile as a natural thickening agent and stabilizer derived from Astragalus plant exudate. The research confirmed that tragacanth presents excellent safety margins with a long history of traditional use dating back centuries. The study noted its unique rheological properties and effectiveness in various food applications. The assessment highlighted its natural origin and supports its continued use in food products requiring specialized thickening properties.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E413 safe?
Our overall verdict for E413 (Tragacanth) 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 E413 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Tragacanth — 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 E413 and why is it used?
Tragacanth is a natural gum exuded from the sap of Astragalus shrubs, used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in sauces, confectionery, and baked goods. It has a long history of food and traditional medicinal use and is considered safe at approved levels, though it is less commonly used today than gums like guar or xanthan.
Does E413 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Tragacanth, though some people report sensitivity (Rare hypersensitivity reactions reported.).
Watch E413
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Tragacanth changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
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.