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Answer: Guar Gum is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream, Yoplait Yogurt, Annie's Gluten-Free Pasta.
TL;DR: Guar Gum is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called guaran. (E412) CAS 9000-30-0.
Other names: E412, INS 412, guaran, guar flour
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream, Yoplait Yogurt, Annie's Gluten-Free Pasta, Bob's Red Mill Products, Progresso Soup |
| CAS number | 9000-30-0 |
Guar gum is a galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), grown primarily in India and Pakistan. It is a highly effective thickener — approximately 8 times more powerful than cornstarch — and functions as a dietary fiber. It is used extensively in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.
Acts as a thickener and stabilizer in dairy products, baked goods, and gluten-free foods; also used to reduce syneresis (water separation) in sauces.
Generally recognized as safe. At high doses (e.g., dietary supplement doses of 10–20 g/day), guar gum can cause flatulence, bloating, and diarrhea. Historically, concentrated guar gum dietary supplements were associated with esophageal obstruction, prompting the FDA to ban such supplements in 1992. At typical food additive use levels, no significant safety concerns have been identified. EFSA confirmed its safety as a food additive in 2017.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Guar Gumwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Xanthan gum, locust bean gum, or psyllium husk can substitute for guar gum in most food applications.
Yes, at food additive levels. High-dose supplements are associated with obstruction and were banned by the FDA.
Yes, guar gum is naturally gluten-free and suitable for celiac disease.
No. It is authorized as E412 throughout the EU.
In typical food amounts, most people tolerate it well. Large supplement doses are more likely to cause digestive discomfort.
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