My diet:

E414 Gum arabic (Acacia gum)

E414Thickeners & gumsOrigin: Plant
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Every diet

VeganYes

Tree sap.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes

It's a soluble fiber, so it adds almost no net carbs.

Low-FODMAPDepends

The small amounts in drinks and candy are usually fine. Acacia fiber supplements in large doses may cause gas.

The short answer
Gum arabic (E414) is dried acacia tree sap that keeps soda flavors mixed and candy coatings smooth. It's a natural fiber, it's safe, and it's vegan.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE414
Comes fromPlant
What it doesThickeners & gums
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledGum arabic, Acacia gum

Cook and bake with gum arabic

For your pantry
Food-grade pouch

Organic gum arabic powder

For homemade sodas, candy glazes and cake decorating.

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Fiber supplement

Acacia fiber powder

A gentle soluble fiber that mixes into water without clumping.

Shop acacia fiber Opens your country’s Amazon store
Precision tool

0.01 g digital micro scale

Soda syrups need gum arabic by the gram.

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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 and found no safety concern.

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

What is it?

Gum arabic dissolves into a thin, clear liquid instead of a thick gel. That makes it ideal for holding flavor oils evenly through a soft drink and for the hard shell on coated candy.

Where it comes from: The dried sap of acacia trees, tapped by hand, mostly in Sudan and the Sahel.

Why it’s in food

  • Keeps citrus and cola flavor oils mixed in soda
  • Forms hard, glossy candy coatings
  • Binds gummies and pastilles
  • Adds soluble fiber

Often found in

Soft drinksCoated candy and chewing gumGummies and pastillesMarshmallowsFlavor powdersFiber supplements

Also listed as: Gum arabic, Acacia gum, Acacia, Gum acacia, Acacia senegal gum, Gum senegal, Acacia fiber

Health & gut impact

Safety reviewBenefit

EFSA found no need for a daily limit; even large doses in human studies caused no harm beyond some gas.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)

Gut healthBenefit

It's a prebiotic fiber that gut bacteria ferment slowly, which makes it gentler than many other fibers.

Calame et al., Br. J. Nutr. (2008)

What can I use instead?

Xanthan gum

Ratio: Use about a tenth as much

Best for: Thickening sauces and drinks

Modified starch

Ratio: To label

Best for: Flavor emulsions

Related

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 Gum arabic safe?

Generally safe (94/100). Approved everywhere with no daily limit. EFSA re-checked it in 2017 and found no safety concern.

Is Gum arabic vegan?

Yes. Tree sap.

Is Gum arabic gluten-free?

Yes.

Is gum arabic the same as acacia fiber?

Yes. "Acacia fiber" is the name used for gum arabic sold as a fiber supplement.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 184.1330 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E414
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2017)
  • Calame et al., Br. J. Nutr. (2008)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 414 · CAS 9000-01-5