Comparing E412 - Guar gum vs E1204 - Pullulan

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Overview

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.

E1204 - Pullulan

Pullulan (E1204) is a natural polysaccharide made by fermentation. In food, it is used mainly as a film-former and thickener, creating clear, flexible coatings and quick-dissolving sheets. You’ll most often see it in edible glazes, confectionery, and breath-freshening strips.

Synonyms

E412

Guar gum

Gum cyamopsis

guar flour

E1204

Pullulan

Functions

stabilizer thickener

glazing agent stabilizer thickener

Origins

Plant

Microbiological

Products

Found in 26,749 products

Found in 17 products

Search rank & volume

#7633.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#2571.6K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.18

under-aware

×10.86

over-aware

Search volume over time

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

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

Popular questions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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).