Ingredient · E417

Tara Gum

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add tara gum to foods primarily as a stabilizer and thickener, improving texture …

What it is

Tara gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the ground seeds of the tara plant (Caesalpinia spinosa), a shrub native to Peru. The process involves separating the endosperm from the germ and hull, then grinding the endosperm into a fine powder. It is a white to yellowish-white powder.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add tara gum to foods primarily as a stabilizer and thickener, improving texture and mouthfeel. It is often found in dairy products like ice cream and yogurt, as well as baked goods, sauces, and dressings. It can help prevent ice crystal formation in frozen desserts.

Health notes

Tara gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a food additive. It is a source of dietary fiber. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have evaluated tara gum. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects at typical consumption levels.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Tara Gum

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FRESH & EASY Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 169kcal 4.6Protein 6.2Fat 20Carbs FRESH & EASY Light Ice Cream Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 200kcal 4.6Protein 7.7Fat 24.6Carbs FRESH & EASY Rocky Road Light Ice Cream, With Roasted Almonds And Fluffy Marshmallows Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 154kcal 4.6Protein 7.7Fat 21.5Carbs CARLA'S PASTA Stromboli Crispy Bites Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 331kcal 10.3Protein 20Fat 26.2Carbs LIDL Vanilla Caramel Gelato Creamy Vanilla Gelato With Rich Caramel Swirls And Gourmet Caramel Shavings, Vanilla Caramel Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 206kcal 3.2Protein 9.5Fat 28.6Carbs LIDL Triple Chocolate Rich Chocolate Gelato With Creamy Fudge Swirls And Indulgent Chocolate Truffles, Triple Chocolate Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 175kcal 3.2Protein 7.9Fat 25.4Carbs Western Family Foods, Inc. Western Family, Premium Creamery Select Ice Cream, Black Cherry Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving 209kcal 3.0Protein 10.4Fat 25.4Carbs Kingston Marketing Co Gelato Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving 209kcal 6.0Protein 9.0Fat 28.4Carbs Kingston Marketing Co Gelato Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 224kcal 6.0Protein 10.4Fat 26.9Carbs Kingston Marketing Co Banans Foster, Gelato Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving 194kcal 3.0Protein 9.0Fat 28.4Carbs Kingston Marketing Co Gelato Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 209kcal 4.5Protein 10.4Fat 26.9Carbs Quisling Media Cheesecake, Raspberry Ribbon Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 90% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 52% DV per serving 366kcal 6.2Protein 27.7Fat 26.8Carbs

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.