E 414 Gum arabic (acacia gum)

What is E 414?

E 414 is the E number of Gum arabic (acacia gum). Dried sap of acacia trees. It stabilises and serves as a glazing agent, for example in drinks, sweets and dragées.

Where is E 414 most commonly used?

Gum arabic is mainly found in soft drinks, where it disperses flavourings, and in confectionery such as pastilles and dragées. Glazes and chewing gum also often contain it.

What is E 414 used for?

E 414 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as thickener, stabiliser, emulsifier, glazing agent.

• Thickener: Thickeners increase the viscosity of a food.
• Stabiliser: Stabilisers maintain the physical state of a food, such as an even mixture or colour.
• Emulsifier: Emulsifiers combine ingredients that would not otherwise mix, such as oil and water, and keep the mixture stable.
• Glazing agent: Glazing agents give the surface a shiny appearance or a protective coating.

Which foods may contain E 414?

According to the European Commission's database, E 414 may be used in 75 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 414 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 414 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 414 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Thickener: E 414" or "Thickener: Gum arabic".