Digestoa
Additive · Thickener

Acacia gum (E414)

Acacia gum (E414) is a thickener that Digestoa rates as low concern — it's considered safe at the levels used in food.

Digestoa riskNo known risk
TypeThickener
Found insauces, dressings, dairy and plant-based products, soups and desserts

What is Acacia gum?

Acacia gum (E414) is a thickener — used to thicken and stabilise texture.

Is Acacia gum bad for you?

Acacia gum is permitted in food and Digestoa rates it as low concern. There's no strong evidence it causes harm at the levels typically used in food.

What foods contain Acacia gum?

Sauces, dressings, dairy and plant-based products, soups and desserts.

Digestoa's take

You don't need to avoid Acacia gum. It's one of the more benign things on an ingredients list — worth knowing, not worth worrying about.

Safer swaps

Look for products thickened with pectin (E440) or with simpler ingredient lists.

Frequently asked questions

Is E414 the same as Acacia gum?
Yes — E414 is the international additive (E-number) code for Acacia gum.
Is Acacia gum bad for you?
Digestoa rates Acacia gum (E414) as low concern. It's permitted in food and considered safe at normal dietary levels.
What are the side effects of Acacia gum?
No significant side effects are associated with Acacia gum at the levels used in food.
What foods contain Acacia gum?
Sauces, dressings, dairy and plant-based products, soups and desserts.
How can I avoid Acacia gum?
Check the ingredients list for "Acacia gum" or "E414", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related thickener additives

Carrageenan (E407)Locust bean gum (E410)Guar gum (E412)Xanthan gum (E415)Pectin (E440)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.