E445: Glycerol Esters of Wood Rosins
Main role: stabilizing beverage emulsions
Also listed as: ester gum, glycerol ester of wood rosin
What is E445 (Glycerol Esters of Wood Rosins)?
E445 is a specified mixture produced from wood rosin and glycerol. It is used to adjust the behavior of flavor-oil droplets in drinks and keep an emulsion more evenly dispersed.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is stabilizing beverage emulsions. Emulsifiers help ingredients mix or remain distributed. The recipe determines whether that means dispersing fat, improving dough handling, or controlling a coating. Their presence alone does not describe the food’s overall nutritional quality.
Food and formulation examples
- Citrus-flavored drinks
- Beverage concentrates
- Flavor-oil emulsions
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 E445, E 445, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include ester gum, glycerol ester of wood rosin. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Food-grade ester gum is defined by its source and purity requirements. It should not be equated with an unspecified industrial resin because both contain the word rosin.
Is E445 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 E445 as Glycerol esters of wood rosins. 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.