Gum ghatti
A safe, natural plant gum.
- Category
- Thickeners
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A natural complex polysaccharide exudate from the Indian tree Anogeissus latifolia.
How it is used in food
Gum ghatti, the exudate of the Indian tree Anogeissus latifolia, is a strong natural emulsifier and thickener, historically used as a substitute for gum arabic. It excels at stabilising oil-in-water emulsions — including difficult ones such as beverage flavour oils and vitamin preparations — often at lower use levels than acacia gum, and it contributes indigestible soluble fibre rather than calories.
Commonly found in- Emulsions
- Beverages
- Syrups
Health and safety
Completely safe; acts as an indigestible dietary fiber similar to gum arabic.
JECFA reviewed gum ghatti and allocated an ADI 'not specified', its lowest-concern category, based on the absence of toxicity in feeding studies and the fact that plant exudate gums are not absorbed. It carries an E-number in some listings but is not on the EU's current authorised additive list, so it is encountered mainly in US and Asian products. As with other exudate gums, the main practical issue is gastrointestinal tolerance at high intakes, and inhalation of gum dust in manufacturing has been linked to occupational respiratory sensitisation.
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
- E419
Worth knowing
Gum ghatti's emulsifying power was valued long before food chemistry explained it: it was the standard emulsifier for wax and oil emulsions and even for early 'liquid petrolatum' pharmaceutical preparations. Comparative studies show its protein-rich fraction is what anchors it at the oil-water interface, the same mechanism now recognised in gum arabic.
Conclusion
A safe, natural plant gum.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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