E413: Tragacanth
Main role: thickening and stabilization
Also listed as: gum tragacanth, tragacanth gum
What is E413 (Tragacanth)?
Tragacanth is a plant gum obtained from exudates of certain Astragalus species. It contains components that swell or dissolve in water and can stabilize food textures. It differs from acacia gum even though both are plant exudate gums.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is thickening and stabilization. Texture ingredients help a recipe control thickness, binding, or separation. Their behavior depends on temperature, acidity, concentration, and other ingredients; two thickeners with similar names may not perform identically.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified confectionery
- Sauces
- Texture-stabilizing preparations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E413, E 413, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include gum tragacanth, tragacanth gum. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
The name plant gum does not identify one interchangeable substance. Tragacanth and acacia gum E414 have different composition and hydration behavior.
Is E413 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E413 as Tragacanth. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.