Watch
E417 — Tara gum
Thickener
E417 (Tara gum), a thickener, is rated "watch": fine in moderation. A natural thickener from tara tree seeds. Used in ice cream, dairy, sauces, and dressings, often alongside other gums for texture.
What is Tara gum?
A thickener from the seeds of the tara tree, native to Peru. Used in ice cream, dairy desserts, sauces, and dressings.
What does it do to the body?
Acts as soluble fiber. No safety concern at food levels.
What regulators say
EFSA reaffirmed safety in 2017 with no numerical acceptable daily intake. The FDA approves it as GRAS.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is E417 (Tara gum) safe?
EFSA reaffirmed safety in 2017 with no numerical acceptable daily intake. The FDA approves it as GRAS.
What is E417 (Tara gum)?
A thickener from the seeds of the tara tree, native to Peru. Used in ice cream, dairy desserts, sauces, and dressings.
What does Tara gum do to the body?
Acts as soluble fiber. No safety concern at food levels.
What are other names for E417?
E417 is also known as tara gum.