What is E409?
Arabinogalactan (E409), also called larch gum, is a plant-derived polysaccharide used in selected formulations. Goodnessly rates E409 Caution as a prompt to notice the product category and amount.
E409 is arabinogalactan or larch gum, a plant-derived ingredient used for texture, stability and bodying in permitted foods.
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What is Arabinogalactan or larch gum?
Arabinogalactan is a water-soluble polysaccharide. Its structure can provide body and support stability in food systems where the additive is authorised.
What's it used for?
- Supporting texture and body
- Stabilising selected formulations
- Helping disperse ingredients
- Providing a plant-derived hydrocolloid function
Where you'll find E409 on the shelf
It is most relevant to dressings, flavour bases, powdered mixes and other foods where a stabiliser or bodying agent is useful.
Is E409 permitted? What the regulators say
E409 is permitted or authorised in the three systems checked, with identity, category, specification and use conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists arabinogalactan or larch gum as additive 409; Schedule 15 category permissions and conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E409 arabinogalactan for specified uses and conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted for specified uses | FDA 21 CFR 172.610 permits arabinogalactan from Western larch for specified foods at the minimum quantity needed for its intended technical effect. |
Goodnessly rates E409 Caution to encourage label and formulation awareness. This is not a claim that permitted use is harmful.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, August 2026 compilation, Schedule 15 and additive 409
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 specifications
- FDA 21 CFR 172.610
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who prefer to understand added gums and hydrocolloids
- People comparing dressings, mixes and formulated foods
- People checking texture ingredients alongside the full formulation
Goodnessly rates E409 Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Arabinogalactan
- Larch gum
- 409 or E409
- Stabiliser (409) or emulsifier (409)
Look for arabinogalactan, larch gum, E409/409 or the functional class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E409?
E409 is arabinogalactan, also called larch gum, a plant-derived polysaccharide used for selected technical functions.
Is E409 permitted?
E409 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The product category and use conditions still matter.
Why is arabinogalactan rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice added hydrocolloids and the wider formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E409?
Goodnessly rates E409 (arabinogalactan or larch gum) as Caution.
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