Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E417 - Tara 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.

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E417 - Tara gum

Tara gum (E417) is a plant-based thickener and stabiliser made from the seeds of the tara tree. It helps foods feel creamy, stay mixed, and keep their shape during cooking and freezing. On labels you may see it as “tara gum” or “E417”.

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Synonyms
E210
Benzoic acid
E417
Tara gum
Functions
preservative
stabilizerthickener
Origins
Plant
Synthetic
Plant
Products

Found in 386 products

Found in 622 products

Search rank & volume
#7533.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#2621.5K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×12.42
over-aware

×0.36
under-aware

Search volume over time

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

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

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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.

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  1. Is tara gum bad for you?

    No—at typical food-use levels, tara gum (E417) is considered safe by regulators; as a soluble fiber, large amounts may cause gas or bloating, and it’s distinct from tara flour, which was linked to past safety issues.

  2. What is tara gum in ice cream?

    A plant-based thickener and stabilizer that improves body and smoothness, limits ice crystal growth, and helps control melt, often used alongside guar or carrageenan.

  3. Is tara gum gluten free?

    Yes—tara gum is naturally gluten‑free and suitable for people with celiac disease; as with any ingredient, check labeling for potential cross‑contamination in finished products.

  4. What is tara gum made from?

    It’s produced from the milled endosperm of seeds of the tara tree (Tara spinosa/Caesalpinia spinosa), yielding a galactomannan polysaccharide of mannose and galactose.

  5. What is vegetable gum tara?

    It’s another name for tara gum (E417), a plant-derived thickener/stabilizer extracted from tara seeds.

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