Foods Containing E415 (Xanthan Gum)
E415 (Xanthan Gum) is a thickener produced by natural fermentation — safe, vegan and a staple of gluten-free baking. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E415
E415 is used across sauces, soups, desserts, jams, plant milks and dairy alternatives. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Gluten-free bread and baking
- Salad dressings
- Sauces
- Ice cream
- Toothpaste
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E415 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E415" or as "Xanthan Gum".
How to spot E415 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "thickeners and gelling agents: E415" or "thickeners and gelling agents: xanthan gum". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Xanthan Gum" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E415?
E415 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E415.
Full guide to E415: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).