Guar gum
Learn what Guar gum (E412) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Guar gum?
Food additive with emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, filling, and agglomerating properties. It is a natural product obtained from the guar shrub. It is used in the quantities specified in recipes for dairy products, sweets, creams, emulsified spreads (with or without flavors), sauces, toppings, dressings, ice cream, processed and canned fruits and vegetables, meat and fish products, eggs, spices, soups, broths, edible membranes, plant protein products, and nutritional supplements. It is also used as a carrier substance for other food additives.
Why is Guar gum added to food?
Guar gum (E412) is a emulsifier commonly found in: Dairy products, sweets, creams, margarine, canned fruits.
Permitted quantity: No maximum allowable dose has been established.
Is Guar gum safe?
Low concern
No secondary effects have been reported at quantities incorporated in food.
Is Guar gum banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Guar gum okay for kids?
Permitted in foods intended for infants and young children in a quantity of up to 1000 mg/l.
Common foods that contain Guar gum
- Dairy products
- sweets
- creams
- margarine
- canned fruits
How to spot Guar gum on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E412
- Guar gum
Common misspellings to watch for:
- quar gum
- guar gum
- gudr gum
- guar qum
Better alternatives
• May cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea in case of excessive consumption. • People with irritable bowel syndrome or gastrointestinal sensitivities should be cautious with excessive use. • Not recommended for individuals allergic to plants in the *Fabaceae* (legume) family.
Also known as
- quar gum
- guar gum
- gudr gum
- guar qum
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Guar gum? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E412 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Guar gum
- Is Guar gum safe to eat?
- No secondary effects have been reported at quantities incorporated in food.
- Is Guar gum banned anywhere?
- Guar gum is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Guar gum safe for children?
- Permitted in foods intended for infants and young children in a quantity of up to 1000 mg/l.
- How do I spot Guar gum on a food label?
- Look for E412, Guar gum in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: quar gum, guar gum, gudr gum.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.