Watch

E410 — Locust bean gum

Thickener

E410 (Locust bean gum), a thickener, is rated "watch": fine in moderation. A natural thickener from carob tree seeds. Used in ice cream, cream cheese, and soft cheeses to give a smooth texture.

What is Locust bean gum?

A natural thickener extracted from the seeds of the carob tree. Used in ice cream (especially to control ice crystals), cream cheese, soft cheeses, and sauces.

What does it do to the body?

Acts as soluble fiber in your gut. Very large amounts can be laxative, but food-level use is far below that. People allergic to legumes very rarely react.

What regulators say

EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical acceptable daily intake.

Risk rating: Watch

Mixed evidence or a specific concern (gut, allergy, or contested safety data). Not alarming, but worth keeping an eye on rather than eating without limit.

E-number: E410Category: ThickenerAlso known as: locust bean gum, carob gum, carob bean gum

Frequently asked questions

Is E410 (Locust bean gum) safe?
EFSA and the FDA both treat it as a safe additive with no numerical acceptable daily intake.
What is E410 (Locust bean gum)?
A natural thickener extracted from the seeds of the carob tree. Used in ice cream (especially to control ice crystals), cream cheese, soft cheeses, and sauces.
What does Locust bean gum do to the body?
Acts as soluble fiber in your gut. Very large amounts can be laxative, but food-level use is far below that. People allergic to legumes very rarely react.
What are other names for E410?
E410 is also known as locust bean gum, carob gum, carob bean gum.

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