Tara gum
Natural seed thickener.
- Category
- Stabilisers, Thickeners
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A natural plant gum or protein used to thicken liquids, stabilize foams, or create gels.
How it is used in food
Provides a rich, thick mouthfeel to liquids and stabilizes emulsions without changing the flavor of the food.
Commonly found in- Jellies
- Sauces
- Dairy alternatives
- Ice cream
Health and safety
Safe. Most plant gums act as soluble dietary fiber and are fermented by beneficial gut bacteria.
Evaluated by EFSA and confirmed safe for use in food at authorized levels.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (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
- E417
Worth knowing
Agar (E406) is a vegan alternative to gelatine, extracted from red seaweed, and has been used in Asian desserts for centuries. It sets at room temperature and won't melt on a hot day.
Conclusion
You have no reason to avoid tara gum in your food. Obtained naturally from seeds, it functions as a soluble dietary fibre that is safely fermented by beneficial gut bacteria. EFSA has evaluated tara gum and confirmed it is completely safe for use in sauces, jellies, and ice cream.
References
- EFSA evaluation of E417 — EFSA
Is it in what you are buying?
ScanWise reads the barcode and tells you which additives a product actually contains, and what they do to its score.
Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
← All additives