E417 · Tara resin
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E417?
Tara gum is a natural thickener extracted from the seeds of the tara tree (Caesalpinia spinosa), native to Peru and other parts of South America. It is used in foods such as sauces, dairy products, and ice cream to improve texture, and is often combined with other gums like xanthan or carrageenan for a synergistic thickening effect.
Also appears on labels as: Tara Resin, Tara Gum, E417, E 417, E-417, Peru tara gum, Tara polysaccharide, Caesalpinia spinosa gum, Gum from tara seeds, Stabilizer E417, Thickener E417, Food gum tara.
What the evidence says
- May cause mild digestive discomfort or bloating at high intakes, similar to other soluble fiber gums.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels by EFSA and FDA.
Frequently asked questions
Is E417 safe?
Our overall verdict for E417 (Tara resin) 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 E417 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Tara resin — 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 E417 and why is it used?
Tara gum is a natural thickener extracted from the seeds of the tara tree (Caesalpinia spinosa), native to Peru and other parts of South America. It is used in foods such as sauces, dairy products, and ice cream to improve texture, and is often combined with other gums like xanthan or carrageenan for a synergistic thickening effect.
Does E417 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Tara resin.
Watch E417
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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.