E416: Karaya Gum
Main role: thickening and stabilization
Also listed as: gum karaya, sterculia gum
What is E416 (Karaya Gum)?
Karaya gum is a plant exudate gum that swells substantially in water. Its texture role differs from gums that fully dissolve into a smooth solution. The food-grade preparation is specified separately from medicinal or industrial uses of the gum.
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
- Texture-control preparations
- Selected coating systems
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 E416, E 416, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include gum karaya, sterculia gum. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A swelling gum should be used as directed in a prepared formulation. Its appearance on a food label is not a reason to consume concentrated dry gum powder.
Is E416 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 E416 as Karaya gum. 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.