Compare E414 vs E493, Acacia gum vs Sorbitan monolaurate

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]

E493 - Sorbitan monolaurate

Sorbitan monolaurate (E493) is an emulsifier that helps oil and water mix and stay stable. It is made by joining sorbitan, a sugar alcohol derivative, with lauric acid from edible fats and oils. You’ll often see it in baked goods, spreads, and confectionery to improve texture and shelf life.

Synonyms

E414

Acacia gum

gum arabic

gum acacia

arabic gum

Gum arabic

E-414

E 414

INS414

INS 414

E493

Sorbitan monolaurate

Functions

carrier emulsifier stabilizer thickener

emulsifier stabilizer

Origins

Plant

Animal

Synthetic

Products

Found in 12,914 products

Found in 1 products

Search rank & volume

#10119.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#396160 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.22

under-aware

×4.73

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 9 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 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.
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.
Is gum arabic vegan?
Yes—it's a plant-derived sap from acacia trees with no animal-derived ingredients, so it is considered vegan.
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.
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.

Comparing E414 - Acacia gum vs E493 - Sorbitan monolaurate