Comparing E415 - Xanthan gum vs E414 - Acacia gum
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 37,379 products
Found in 12,914 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 9 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is xanthan gum bad for you?
No—at typical food levels it isn’t considered harmful; it’s approved for use in the U.S. and EU. Very high intakes can cause gas or a laxative effect in some people.
Is xanthan gum safe?
Yes—xanthan gum (E415) is approved by regulators like the FDA and EFSA and is considered safe at normal food-use levels. Large supplemental amounts may cause digestive upset, and xanthan-gum–based thickeners are not recommended for premature infants.
What is xanthan gum made from?
It’s a polysaccharide made by fermenting simple sugars (often from corn, sugarcane, or wheat) with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris, then precipitated, dried, and milled into a powder.
Is xanthan gum bad for dogs?
No—it's not considered toxic to dogs, and small amounts used in pet foods are generally safe. Large amounts may cause diarrhea or gas, so avoid overuse and consult a vet if your dog has GI sensitivities.
What does xanthan gum do?
It works as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier—adding viscosity, suspending particles, and preventing separation. In gluten-free baking it helps bind dough and improve texture, and it’s shear‑thinning so it pours easily but thickens at rest.
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.