Tragacanth
Learn what Tragacanth (E413) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Tragacanth?
Food additive with emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, filling, and agglomerating properties. It is a natural product obtained from the tree *Astralagus gummifer*. 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 Tragacanth added to food?
Tragacanth (E413) is a emulsifier commonly found in: Dairy products, sweets, creams, margarine, canned fruits.
Permitted quantity: No maximum allowable dose has been established.
Is Tragacanth safe?
Low concern
No secondary effects have been reported at quantities incorporated in food.
Is Tragacanth banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Tragacanth okay for kids?
Not permitted in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Tragacanth
- Dairy products
- sweets
- creams
- margarine
- canned fruits
How to spot Tragacanth on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E413
- Tragacanth
Common misspellings to watch for:
- tragacdnth
- traqacanth
- trdgacanth
- tragacanth
- tragdcanth
- tragaeanth
Better alternatives
• May cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea in case of excessive consumption. • People with gastrointestinal conditions or sensitivity to plant fibers should avoid excessive use. • Not recommended for individuals allergic to plants in the *Leguminosae* (legume) family.
Also known as
- tragacdnth
- traqacanth
- trdgacanth
- tragacanth
- tragdcanth
- tragaeanth
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Tragacanth? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E413 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Tragacanth
- Is Tragacanth safe to eat?
- No secondary effects have been reported at quantities incorporated in food.
- Is Tragacanth banned anywhere?
- Tragacanth is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Tragacanth safe for children?
- Not permitted in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Tragacanth on a food label?
- Look for E413, Tragacanth in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: tragacdnth, traqacanth, trdgacanth.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.