What is E415?
E415 is Xanthan Gum — a thickener produced by natural fermentation — safe, vegan and a staple of gluten-free baking.
What is E415 (Xanthan Gum)?
E415 is the E-number for xanthan 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. Produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars. Xanthan gum was discovered by US Department of Agriculture scientists in the 1960s and is produced by fermenting sugars with the Xanthomonas campestris bacterium. Like every E-number, E415 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 E415 in detail below.
Where is E415 found?
E415 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 (E415) or by its full name, xanthan gum. Common foods that may contain E415 include:
- Gluten-free bread and baking
- Salad dressings
- Sauces
- Ice cream
- Toothpaste
Full guide: foods containing E415 and how to spot it on labels →
E415 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Xanthan Gum safe?
Is E415 safe?
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.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E415 vegan?
E415 is vegan. Produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E415 →Is E415 halal?
E415 is halal. Produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E415 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E415 in food?
E415 is Xanthan Gum — a thickener produced by natural fermentation — safe, vegan and a staple of gluten-free baking.
Is E415 safe to eat?
Yes. E415 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E415 vegan?
E415 is vegan. Produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E415 halal?
E415 is halal. Produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Concerned about food additives?
Food Intolerance Test
Find out exactly which ingredients affect you with a home food intolerance test.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).