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Answer: Locust Bean 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: Breyers Ice Cream, Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Stoneyfield Yogurt.
TL;DR: Locust Bean Gum is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called carob bean gum. (E410) CAS 9000-40-2.
Other names: carob bean gum, E410, INS 410, LBG
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Breyers Ice Cream, Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Stoneyfield Yogurt, Similac Infant Formula, Blue Buffalo Pet Food |
| CAS number | 9000-40-2 |
Locust bean gum (LBG) is a galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), native to the Mediterranean. It is a fine white to yellow powder that forms a thick gel when dissolved in hot water. It synergizes strongly with xanthan gum and carrageenan to enhance gel strength.
Used as a thickener and gelling agent in dairy, ice cream, and pet food to improve texture and prevent ice crystal growth.
Generally recognized as safe. EFSA's Panel on Food Additives confirmed the safety of LBG in 2017, noting no concerns at current dietary exposures. It functions as a soluble dietary fiber and can have mild prebiotic effects. No significant adverse effects have been documented in human or animal studies at food-relevant doses.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Locust Bean 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.
Guar gum or xanthan gum can replace LBG in most applications. Tara gum (E417) is a closely related alternative.
Yes, it is approved by both FDA and EFSA and considered safe at typical food additive levels.
Yes, it is derived from carob seeds, a plant source.
Locust bean gum is extracted specifically from the seed endosperm of the carob pod; carob powder is made from the dried pod and has a different flavor and composition.
Both are galactomannans but from different plants. LBG has a higher mannose-to-galactose ratio and different gelling properties.
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