Is Guar Gum Safe?
Guar Gum is the additive E412 — a natural thickener ground from guar beans — safe, vegan and halal.
Is Guar Gum safe to eat?
E412 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 E412.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Guar Gum?
E412 is the E-number for guar gum, one of the thickeners & gelling agents group of food additives (E400–E499). Additives in this group thicken foods and create gels for the right texture. Ground from guar beans. Guar gum comes from a bean grown mainly in India and Pakistan, and can thicken water at concentrations eight times lower than cornflour. Like every E-number, E412 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E412 in detail below.
What foods contain Guar Gum?
E412 (Guar Gum) is typically found in:
- Ice cream
- Gluten-free baking
- Sauces
- Plant milks
- Soups
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guar Gum bad for you?
Yes. E412 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Guar Gum vegan?
E412 is vegan. Ground from guar beans, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Guar Gum halal?
E412 is halal. Ground from guar beans, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E412 (Guar Gum) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).