Gum Arabic (E 414)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Gum arabic (E 414) is a gum from acacia trees, used to stabilize drinks and candy coatings.

What the evidence review says

Gum arabic is a natural gum from acacia trees used to stabilize drinks and candy coatings. EFSA found no safety concern at reported uses, including in infant formula. Very large amounts were linked with gas in adults.

No notable concern at reported food uses, including carry-over into infant formula at the levels EFSA reviewed in 2019. Very high experimental intakes (about 30 g per day in adults) caused flatulence, which EFSA called undesirable but not an adverse effect. Specs limit protein, metals, and, for infant foods, aluminium and enzyme activity.

• Source: EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA J, 2017 · doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4741
• Source: EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), EFSA J, 2019 · doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5922

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.