E414 · Acacia gum (gum arabic)
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E414?
Acacia gum (gum arabic) is a natural gum harvested from the sap of Acacia trees, used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in beverages, candies, and confectionery. It also acts as a soluble dietary fiber and has been studied as a mild prebiotic. It is one of the most widely used and long-established food gums, with a strong safety record.
Also appears on labels as: Acacia gum, Gum arabic, E414, E 414, E-414, Acacia senegal gum, Food grade acacia gum, Acacia gum powder, Natural gum arabic, Arabic gum, Acacia extract, Acacia tree gum.
What the evidence says
- May cause mild bloating or gas at high intakes, as with other soluble fibers.
- Rare allergic reactions have been reported, particularly in people with existing plant-gum sensitivities.
- Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA and approved without a numerical ADI by EFSA.
Frequently asked questions
Is E414 safe?
Our overall verdict for E414 (Acacia gum (gum arabic)) 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 E414 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Acacia gum (gum arabic) — 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 E414 and why is it used?
Acacia gum (gum arabic) is a natural gum harvested from the sap of Acacia trees, used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in beverages, candies, and confectionery. It also acts as a soluble dietary fiber and has been studied as a mild prebiotic. It is one of the most widely used and long-established food gums, with a strong safety record.
Does E414 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Acacia gum (gum arabic), though some people report sensitivity (Rare hypersensitivity reactions reported.).
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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.