Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E412 - Guar gum

Overview

E210 - Benzoic acid

Benzoic acid (E210) is a preservative used to help keep acidic foods and drinks safe and fresh by slowing the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria. It occurs naturally in small amounts in some berries and fermented foods, and is also made for food use under strict purity standards.

READ MORE >>

E412 - Guar gum

Guar gum (E412) is a plant-based thickener, stabiliser, and emulsifier made from the seeds of the guar plant. It helps keep foods smooth and uniform by binding water and improving texture at very low use levels. You’ll see it in everything from ice cream and yogurt to sauces and gluten-free baking.

READ MORE >>
Synonyms
E210
Benzoic acid
E412
Guar gum
Gum cyamopsis
guar flour
Functions
preservative
stabilizerthickener
Origins
Plant
Synthetic
Plant
Products

Found in 386 products

Found in 26,749 products

Search rank & volume
#7533.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#7633.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×12.42
over-aware

×0.18
under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Read more about E210Read more
Read more about E412Read more
Popular questions

  1. Is benzoic acid soluble in water?

    Only sparingly—about 3 g per liter at room temperature; its solubility increases in hot water and it dissolves readily in many organic solvents.

  2. Is benzoic acid polar?

    It has a polar carboxyl group but a nonpolar aromatic ring, so overall it’s only weakly polar; its benzoate salt is much more polar and water‑soluble.

  3. Is benzoic acid a strong acid?

    No—it's a weak acid, with a pKa of about 4.2.

  4. What is the melting point of benzoic acid?

    About 122–123 °C (251–253 °F).

  5. Is benzoic acid bad for you?

    At approved food levels it’s considered safe, with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight/day; some people may experience irritation or hypersensitivity, and benzene formation in certain acidic drinks is monitored and kept very low.

READ MORE ABOUT E210READ MORE >>

  1. Is guar gum bad for you?

    No—E412 (guar gum) is generally recognized as safe at typical food levels. As a soluble fiber it can cause gas or loose stools in some people, and concentrated tablets or dry powder taken without enough liquid have been linked to blockage risks.

  2. What is guar gum made from?

    It’s a galactomannan polysaccharide made from the endosperm of guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), processed into an off‑white powder.

  3. Is guar gum bad for cats?

    It’s generally considered safe at the small amounts used as a thickener in many canned cat foods. Some cats may get soft stools or gas, especially if sensitive, so monitor tolerance and consult a vet if issues arise.

  4. Can dogs have guar gum?

    Yes—at the low levels used in commercial dog foods it’s considered safe. Too much may cause gas or diarrhea, so introduce new foods gradually and watch your dog’s tolerance.

  5. Is guar gum bad for dogs?

    Not at typical food levels; it’s widely used as a safe thickener in dog foods. Large amounts may upset the stomach (gas, loose stools).

READ MORE ABOUT E412READ MORE >>