Ingredient · E412

A Natural Thickener

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add guar gum to foods to increase viscosity, stabilize mixtures, and improve texture. …

What is A Natural Thickener?

A natural thickener derived from the seeds of the guar plant, a legume. The seeds are mechanically processed to remove the hull and germ, then ground into a powder. This powder is a refined gum, a polysaccharide.

Is A Natural Thickener vegan?

A Natural Thickener is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is A Natural Thickener gluten-free?

It is also gluten-free.

Is A Natural Thickener a major allergen?

Guar gum is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens.

What is A Natural Thickener used for?

Manufacturers add guar gum to foods to increase viscosity, stabilize mixtures, and improve texture.

Is A Natural Thickener safe?

Guar gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add guar gum to foods to increase viscosity, stabilize mixtures, and improve texture. It is commonly found in salad dressings, sauces, gravies, baked goods, and dairy products like ice cream.

Health notes

Guar gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a soluble fiber that may aid digestion and promote feelings of fullness. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated guar gum. Evidence does not suggest adverse effects at typical dietary intake levels.

Allergen info

Guar gum is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It is also gluten-free.

Foods that contain A Natural Thickener

Compare products →
Amazon links are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About these links

Learn more

Ultra-Processed Foods and the NOVA Scale →

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.