What is E445?
Glycerol esters of wood rosins (E445) are a stabiliser and density-adjusting additive used in specified beverages and other permitted applications. Goodnessly rates E445 Safe, while food-category permissions and the relevant regulator assessment still apply.
Glycerol esters of wood rosins (E445) are a stabiliser and density-adjusting additive used in specified beverages and other permitted applications. Goodnessly rates E445 Safe, while food-category permissions and the relevant regulator assessment still apply. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Glycerol esters of wood rosins?
Glycerol esters of wood rosins are purified resin-derived esters used for technical functions in food. In permitted formulations, they can help keep flavouring oils dispersed and adjust the density of citrus oils in beverages.
What's it used for?
- Helping disperse flavouring oils
- Adjusting citrus-oil density in permitted beverages
- Supporting emulsion stability in specified formulations
- Providing a consistent technical function at regulated levels
Where you'll find E445 on the shelf
You may see E445 in selected flavoured beverages and other foods where a resin-derived stabilising or density-adjusting function is permitted.
Is E445 permitted? What the regulators say
E445 is listed or permitted in the three systems checked, with category, level, purity and specification conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists 445 glycerol esters of wood rosins; Schedule 15 food-category conditions and maximum levels apply. [FSANZ/source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The Union list includes E445 for specified uses and maximum levels; the applicable category and formulation conditions matter. [FSANZ/source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | FDA permits glycerol ester of wood, gum or tall-oil rosin under 21 CFR 172.735 for specified beverage use, including a 100 ppm finished-beverage limit and identity specifications. [FSANZ/source] |
Goodnessly rates E445 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- EFSA’s 2018 re-evaluation set a temporary ADI of 12.5 mg/kg body weight per day for specified E445 material matching the tested composition.
- EFSA could not assess material from some other pine sources because composition, stability and toxicological information were insufficient; the opinion also called for revised specifications.
- JECFA re-established an ADI of 0–25 mg/kg body weight per day for glycerol ester of wood rosin. These ADIs are assessment references and do not replace food-category conditions.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — confirm the current primary source before relying on a regulatory detail.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing stabilisers in flavoured beverages
- People checking the additive class and amount in a product
- People who want to consider the whole formulation and serving pattern
Goodnessly rates E445 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Glycerol esters of wood rosins
- 445 or E445
- Stabiliser (445)
- Stabiliser (E445)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E445?
E445 is glycerol esters of wood rosins, a stabiliser and density-adjusting additive used in specified food applications.
Is E445 permitted?
E445 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the United States. The food category, maximum level and identity specifications still apply.
What ADI applies to E445?
EFSA set a temporary ADI of 12.5 mg/kg body weight per day for specified material, while JECFA lists 0–25 mg/kg body weight per day.
How does Goodnessly rate E445?
Goodnessly rates E445 (glycerol esters of wood rosins) as Safe within its rating system.
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