E418 · Gellan gum
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E418?
Gellan gum is a polysaccharide produced by fermentation, used as a gelling and stabilizing agent in plant-based milks, desserts, jellies, and vegan gummy candies as a substitute for gelatin. It forms gels across a wide pH range and is used at very low usage levels compared to other gums.
Also appears on labels as: Gellan Gum, E418, E 418, E-418, Polysaccharide gellan, Gum gellan, Gellan, High acyl gellan gum, Low acyl gellan gum, Fermented gellan polysaccharide, Food stabilizer E418, Thickener E418.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA and approved by EFSA at typical food-use levels.
- Very high intakes could theoretically contribute mild bloating, as with other non-digestible polysaccharides, though this is not commonly reported at food-use doses.
Frequently asked questions
Is E418 safe?
Our overall verdict for E418 (Gellan 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 E418 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Gellan 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 E418 and why is it used?
Gellan gum is a polysaccharide produced by fermentation, used as a gelling and stabilizing agent in plant-based milks, desserts, jellies, and vegan gummy candies as a substitute for gelatin. It forms gels across a wide pH range and is used at very low usage levels compared to other gums.
Does E418 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Gellan 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.