Is E414 halal?

What is E414?

Gum arabic, also called acacia gum, is the dried sap that seeps from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal and related acacia trees. The hardened lumps are collected, dissolved in water, filtered to remove impurities and dried into a powder, for example by spray-drying.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Gum arabic is a natural tree exudate that is only dissolved, filtered and dried, so there is no animal source and no alcohol step in the usual process. It is generally regarded as halal. Keep in mind that it is often used to carry flavourings, and those are judged separately.

How to check the label

No special check is needed for the gum itself. It may be listed as E414, acacia gum or gum arabic. If it is carrying a flavouring, the flavouring is what to ask about.

Where you'll find it

• soft drinks
• sweets and pastilles
• food flavourings

Good to know

• EFSA re-evaluated acacia gum in 2017 and concluded there was no need for a numerical ADI.
• The EU specification covers gum from Acacia senegal or closely related acacia species; the international JECFA specification also includes Acacia seyal.
• At high intakes some people get wind, because gut bacteria partly ferment the gum; EFSA did not consider this an adverse effect.

Similar additives

• E410 Locust bean gum (carob) Generally halal
• E412 Guar gum Generally halal
• E466 Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) Generally halal
• E100 Curcumin Generally halal
• E153 Vegetable carbon Generally halal
• E160b Annatto Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of acacia gum E414 (2017)
2. EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012

Frequently asked questions