E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener)
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.
E414 (Gum Arabic / Acacia Gum) is a complex arabinogalactan-protein glycoprotein exudate harvested from Acacia senegal trees. INS 414, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the premier film-forming emulsifier for citrus beverage flavor oils.
Xanthan gum (E415) is a high-molecular-weight microbial exopolysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas campestris fermentation, renowned for extreme pseudoplastic shear-thinning rheology, freeze-thaw stability, and gluten-free dough structural binding.
Specification Comparison Table
16 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E414 | — |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 414 | — |
|
Functional Class
|
Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Encapsulating Agent, Prebiotic Fiber | — |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Limited (Quantum Satis) | — |
|
Chemical Structure
|
Arabinogalactan core covalently linked to hydroxyproline-rich peptide chains (~2% protein) | — |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Amphiphilic glycoprotein anchors hydrophobic oil droplets while polysaccharide branches project into water, preventing coalescence | — |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Citrus soft drinks (Suspends essential oils), gummy candies, confectionery pan coatings, flavor spray drying | — |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Wild Acacia tree gum), Halal, Kosher | — |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1330) | — |
|
INS / E-Number
|
— | INS 415 / E415 |
|
Polymer Structure
|
— | Cellulose β-(1,4)-D-glucan backbone with trisaccharide side chains (mannose-glucuronic acid-mannose) |
|
Molecular Weight
|
— | 2.0 × 10⁶ to 5.0 × 10⁶ Da (2–5 MDa) |
|
Rheological Behavior
|
— | Extreme Pseudoplasticity (Shear-thinning index n ≈ 0.15–0.25) |
|
Yield Stress
|
— | High at rest (suspends dense particulates like herbs in salad dressing permanently) |
|
Thermal Stability
|
— | Maintains constant viscosity from 0°C to 100°C across pH 2.0 to 12.0 |
|
Synergistic Gelation
|
— | Forms thermo-reversible firm gels when blended with Locust Bean Gum (E410) or Guar Gum (E412) |