# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener)

Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier)
E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener)

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.

View full E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) spec sheet →

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.

View full E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) spec sheet →

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)

Other Alternatives to Compare

Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E101: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2 Yellow Color) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E140: Chlorophyll & Chlorophyllins (Green Color) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E150a: Plain Caramel (Class I Caramel Color) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E150d: Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV Caramel) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E160c: Paprika Extract (Capsanthin / Capsorubin) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E162: Beetroot Red (Betanin) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E163: Anthocyanins (Grape Skin & Berry Red/Purple) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E170: Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →