What is E416?

Gum karaya or gum sterculia, also known as Indian gum tragacanth, is a vegetable gum produced as an exudate by trees of the genus Sterculia. Chemically, gum karaya is an acid polysaccharide composed of the sugars galactose, rhamnose and galacturonic acid. E416 sits in the E400–E499 series, which in the EU classification mainly covers thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers.

What is E416 used for?

E416 belongs to the thickeners group. Thickeners and gelling agents give food texture and body. Many come from plants, like pectin and guar gum.

Is E416 safe?

E416 is considered safe at the levels used in food and is approved for use in the EU. “Safe” means it is approved in the EU and regarded as safe at the levels used in food.

How E416 appears on labels

On food packaging you'll find E416 either as the number “E416” or by the name “Karaya gum” in the ingredient list, often after its function. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so an additive near the end is present only in small amounts.

Is E416 vegan?

Yes, E416 is suitable for vegans.