E417: Tara Gum
Main role: thickening and stabilization
Also listed as: tara seed gum
What is E417 (Tara Gum)?
Tara gum is a galactomannan obtained from the seed endosperm of the tara plant. It is used to adjust viscosity and texture and can work alongside other hydrocolloids. It belongs to a related gum group with guar and locust bean 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
- Sauces
- Frozen dessert formulations
- Texture-control blends
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 E417, E 417, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include tara seed gum. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Tara gum is not xanthan gum or guar gum, even where their recipe roles overlap. Hydration conditions and the rest of the formulation affect how well a substitution works.
Is E417 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 E417 as Tara 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.