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E414 · Carriers, Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners

Acacia gum

No known risk natural originthickener

Natural gum arabic.

Category
Carriers, Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners
Vegan
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes

What it is

Acacia gum (E414), widely known as Gum arabic, is a natural plant gum. It is one of the oldest food additives known to humanity, used since ancient Egyptian times.

How it is used in food

Keeps citrus oils suspended in soda and gives wine gums their bite.

Commonly found in
  • Sodas and cola (to keep citrus flavour oils suspended)
  • Chewy candies like wine gums and jelly beans
  • Marshmallows and icing
  • Dietary fibre supplements

Health and safety

None known.

Counts as soluble fiber.

Regulatory status

RegionStatusNotes
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
E414

Also printed asgum arabic

Alternatives to this additive

  • E415: Xanthan gum — Another powerful hydrocolloid that can stabilize emulsions, though it provides a thicker texture than acacia gum.

How it is made

It is the hardened sap harvested directly from wild acacia trees, predominantly grown in the "gum belt" of Africa, particularly Sudan. It is harvested much like maple syrup or rubber.

  1. Tapping — Acacia trees are scored to allow the sap to exude and dry in the sun into hard nodules (tears).
  2. Purification — The dried sap is collected, dissolved in water, filtered to remove bark and impurities, and spray-dried into a pure powder.

Worth knowing

Sap of the acacia tree, harvested like maple syrup, mostly in Sudan.

Conclusion

Without E414, the flavour oils in most sodas would instantly separate and float to the top as a greasy ring. It is a crucial, natural, and healthy component of the global food supply.

References

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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