What is E412?
E412 is Guar Gum — a natural thickener ground from guar beans — safe, vegan and halal.
What is E412 (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.
Where is E412 found?
E412 is typically used in sauces, soups, desserts, jams, plant milks and dairy alternatives. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E412) or by its full name, guar gum. Common foods that may contain E412 include:
- Ice cream
- Gluten-free baking
- Sauces
- Plant milks
- Soups
Full guide: foods containing E412 and how to spot it on labels →
E412 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Guar Gum safe?
Is E412 safe?
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
Is E412 vegan?
E412 is vegan. Ground from guar beans, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E412 →Is E412 halal?
E412 is halal. Ground from guar beans, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E412 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E412 in food?
E412 is Guar Gum — a natural thickener ground from guar beans — safe, vegan and halal.
Is E412 safe to eat?
Yes. E412 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E412 vegan?
E412 is vegan. Ground from guar beans, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E412 halal?
E412 is halal. Ground from guar beans, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).