E445 · Glycerol esters of wood rosin
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Glycerol esters of wood rosin yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E445?
Glycerol esters of wood rosin (GEWR) are made by reacting glycerol with rosin from pine tree resin. In foods, they are used almost exclusively as a weighting agent in citrus-flavored beverages, keeping the flavoring oils evenly suspended instead of floating to the surface. They help give cloudy soft drinks and juices a consistent appearance and mouthfeel. Regulatory agencies permit them at low levels in beverages, though some markets restrict their use.
Also appears on labels as: Glycerol esters of wood rosin, Glycerol ester of rosin, Glycerol rosinate, Glycerol ester rosin, Rosin glycerol esters, Glycerol ester of natural rosin, Glycerol-resin ester, E445, E 445, E-445, Food grade glycerol ester of rosin, Rosin ester of glycerol.
What the evidence says
- Approved only for limited use (mainly beverage flavoring emulsions), with a specified acceptable daily intake set by regulators.
- Very high intakes have been associated with fatty deposits in tissue in animal studies, which is why usage levels are capped.
- Not permitted in the EU for general food use outside specific flavoring applications.
Research behind the verdict
- Re‐evaluation of glycerol esters of wood rosin (E 445) as a food additive — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2018). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of glycerol esters of wood rosin (E 445) as a food additive. Based on the available data, the Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when glycerol esters of wood rosin (E 445) are used as a food additive.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E445 safe?
Our overall verdict for E445 (Glycerol esters of wood rosin) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E445 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Glycerol esters of wood rosin — 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 E445 and why is it used?
Glycerol esters of wood rosin (GEWR) are made by reacting glycerol with rosin from pine tree resin. In foods, they are used almost exclusively as a weighting agent in citrus-flavored beverages, keeping the flavoring oils evenly suspended instead of floating to the surface. They help give cloudy soft drinks and juices a consistent appearance and mouthfeel. Regulatory agencies permit them at low levels in beverages, though some markets restrict their use.
Does E445 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Glycerol esters of wood rosin.
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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.