My diet:

E410 Locust bean gum (Carob bean gum)

E410Thickeners & gumsOrigin: Plant
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Every diet

VeganYes

Made from carob seeds, not insects.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes

A fiber used in small amounts, so it adds almost no net carbs.

Low-FODMAPYes

Fine in the small amounts used in ice cream and yogurt.

The short answer
Locust bean gum (E410) is a thickener ground from carob seeds that keeps ice cream smooth and cream cheese creamy. It's safe and vegan, and contains no insects.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE410
Comes fromPlant
What it doesThickeners & gums
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledLocust bean gum, Carob bean gum

Make scoop-shop ice cream at home

For your pantry
Food-grade pouch

Locust bean gum powder

A pinch per quart keeps homemade ice cream smooth for weeks.

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Kitchen tool

Ice cream maker

A freezer-bowl machine is enough for most home batches.

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Precision tool

0.01 g digital micro scale

Stabilizers are used at 0.1–0.3%, too little for a kitchen scale.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere with no daily limit. EFSA re-checked it in 2017, including its use in infant formula.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Locust bean gum thickens liquids and, paired with xanthan or carrageenan, forms soft, elastic gels. It's one of the main reasons store-bought ice cream doesn't turn icy in the freezer.

Where it comes from: Ground from the seeds of the carob tree, which grows around the Mediterranean. Locusts have nothing to do with it.

Why it’s in food

  • Stops ice crystals in ice cream
  • Makes cream cheese and yogurt thick and creamy
  • Thickens sauces, soups and pie fillings
  • Thickens infant formula for babies with reflux

Often found in

Ice creamCream cheeseYogurtSauces and graviesPet foodAnti-reflux infant formula

Also listed as: Locust bean gum, Carob bean gum, Carob gum, Carob seed gum, LBG, Algaroba gum

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewBenefit

EFSA found no safety concern for adults or for infants from 12 weeks old.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)

What can I use instead?

Guar gum

Ratio: About 1:1

Best for: Ice cream and sauces

Xanthan gum

Ratio: Use about half as much

Best for: Sauces and dressings

Related

Locust bean gum vs Guar Gum

More thickeners & gums:

Agar-Agar E406Agar-agar (E406) is a seaweed gel that sets firmer than gelatin. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free, keto and kosher, and is the easiest plant swap for gelatin.Generally safeCarrageenan E407Carrageenan (E407) is a seaweed thickener in plant milks and deli meats. It's approved, but some studies link it to gut inflammation, so people with IBD often avoid it.Use in moderationCellulose Gum (CMC) E466Cellulose gum (E466, CMC) is a thickener made from wood or cotton fiber. It's approved everywhere and fine for most diets, but studies in mice and a small human trial suggest it can disturb gut bacteria.Use in moderationGelatinGelatin is made from pig, cow or fish parts, so it is never vegan. It's only halal or kosher when certified, because most unlabeled gelatin comes from pork.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Locust bean gum safe?

Generally safe (92/100). Approved everywhere with no daily limit. EFSA re-checked it in 2017, including its use in infant formula.

Is Locust bean gum vegan?

Yes. Made from carob seeds, not insects.

Is Locust bean gum gluten-free?

Yes.

Does locust bean gum come from locusts?

No. It's made from the seeds of the carob tree, sometimes called the locust tree.

Is locust bean gum the same as carob powder?

No. Carob powder is the roasted pod used like cocoa. The gum comes only from the seeds.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1343 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E410
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 410 · CAS 9000-40-2