Comparing E414 - Acacia gum vs E412 - Guar gum

Overview

E414 - Acacia gum

E414, also called acacia gum or gum arabic, is a natural gum tapped from acacia trees. It helps keep flavor oils mixed in drinks, smooths candy coatings, and adds body as a stabilizer and thickener. It is widely used in both the U.S. and the EU and is considered safe when used as intended. [^2][^3]

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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.

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Synonyms
E414
Acacia gum
gum arabic
gum acacia
arabic gum
Gum arabic
E-414
E 414
INS414
INS 414
E412
Guar gum
Gum cyamopsis
guar flour
Functions
carrieremulsifierstabilizerthickener
stabilizerthickener
Origins
Plant
Plant
Products

Found in 12,914 products

Found in 26,749 products

Search rank & volume
#10119.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#7633.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×0.22
under-aware

×0.18
under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 9 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

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

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Popular questions

  1. Is gum arabic bad for you?

    No—gum arabic (E414) is considered safe at permitted levels; it is GRAS in the U.S. and EFSA found no safety concern at current uses. Large amounts may cause gas or bloating, and allergic reactions are rare.

  2. Is acacia gum bad for you?

    No—acacia gum (gum arabic, E414) is generally safe; JECFA set an ADI 'not specified,' indicating very low toxicity. Excessive intake can cause mild digestive discomfort.

  3. Is gum arabic vegan?

    Yes—it's a plant-derived sap from acacia trees with no animal-derived ingredients, so it is considered vegan.

  4. Is gum arabic gluten free?

    Yes—it's naturally gluten-free; pure gum arabic contains no wheat, barley, or rye, though manufacturing cross-contamination is possible.

  5. What is gum arabic used for?

    It functions as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, and carrier—commonly used in soft-drink flavor emulsions, confectionery (gummies, glazes), bakery icings, and for encapsulating flavors.

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  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).

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