Bakers yeast glycan
A safe and natural microbial thickener.
- Category
- Thickeners
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A complex carbohydrate extracted from yeast used as a thickener and fat substitute.
How it is used in food
Baker's yeast glycan is a polysaccharide fraction from the cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, used as a thickener, emulsifier and fat-mimetic — its water-binding and gel-forming behaviour lets low-fat dressings and dairy products keep a creamy texture. Because it is composed mainly of β-glucan and mannan, it is also an indigestible fibre that reaches the colon intact.
Commonly found in- Low-fat dressings
- Sauces
Health and safety
Completely safe; derived from standard food-grade yeast.
Baker's yeast glycan is affirmed GRAS in the United States as a food ingredient, and the source organism has a long history of safe food use; it holds an E-number in some listings but is not on the EU's current list of authorised additives, so European exposure is limited. Toxicological studies on yeast cell-wall preparations show no adverse effects at high dietary levels. Human β-glucan trials focus on immune and lipid endpoints rather than safety, and results are mixed; as a fermentable fibre, large amounts may cause gas or bloating in sensitive people.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E408
Worth knowing
The yeast cell wall β-glucans in this ingredient are the same molecules studied as immune modulators: they are recognised by receptors such as Dectin-1 and CR3 on human immune cells, which is why yeast β-glucan appears in both food-texture and immune-supplement contexts from the same raw material.
Conclusion
A safe and natural microbial thickener.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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