What is E413?
E413 is Tragacanth — a natural gum from Astragalus shrubs, used as a thickeners & gelling agent to help thicken foods and create gels for the right texture.
What is E413 (Tragacanth)?
E413 is the E-number for tragacanth, 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. A natural gum from Astragalus shrubs. Like every E-number, E413 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 E413 in detail below.
Where is E413 found?
E413 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 (E413) or by its full name, tragacanth. Common foods that may contain E413 include:
- Sauces
- Soups
- Desserts
- Jams
- Plant milks and dairy alternatives
Full guide: foods containing E413 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E413 safe?
E413 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 E413.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E413 vegan?
E413 is vegan. A natural gum from Astragalus shrubs, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E413 →Is E413 halal?
E413 is halal. A natural gum from Astragalus shrubs, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E413 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E413 in food?
E413 is Tragacanth — a natural gum from Astragalus shrubs, used as a thickeners & gelling agent to help thicken foods and create gels for the right texture.
Is E413 safe to eat?
Yes. E413 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E413 vegan?
E413 is vegan. A natural gum from Astragalus shrubs, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E413 halal?
E413 is halal. A natural gum from Astragalus shrubs, 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).