Guar gum
Natural thickener.
- Category
- Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Guar gum (E412) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (a type of complex carbohydrate) that acts as an exceptionally powerful thickener and stabilizer. It has almost eight times the water-thickening potency of cornstarch.
How it is used in food
Eight times the thickening power of cornstarch.
Commonly found in- Ice cream (prevents ice crystals from forming)
- Gluten-free baking (provides dough elasticity)
- Soups, sauces, and gravies
- Yoghurt and kefir
Health and safety
Very large amounts act like any fiber surplus (laxative effect).
Guar gum is considered completely safe. In the human digestive system, it functions as a soluble dietary fiber, aiding digestion and potentially helping to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Mild laxative effect at high doses
Because it is a soluble fiber, consuming huge amounts of guar gum can lead to gas, bloating, or a laxative effect. However, the tiny amounts used as food additives are well-tolerated.
It is purely soluble fiber.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E412
Also printed asGuaran
Alternatives to this additive
- E415: Xanthan gum — A microbial alternative that often works synergistically with guar gum.
- E410: Locust bean gum — Another seed-based thickener, requiring heat to hydrate, unlike guar gum which thickens in cold water.
How it is made
It is extracted from the endosperm of the guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), a legume grown primarily in India and Pakistan.
- Harvesting — Guar beans are harvested and dried.
- Dehusking — The beans are mechanically split to separate the endosperm from the germ and the hull.
- Milling — The endosperm is ground into a fine, white powder, which is pure guar gum.
Worth knowing
Made from ground guar beans from India.
Conclusion
E412 is a natural, clean-label ingredient that is widely favored over synthetic or microbial thickeners. It is a staple in both conventional dairy and modern gluten-free foods.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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