What is E415?
Xanthan gum (E415) is a fermentation-derived hydrocolloid used to thicken and stabilise selected foods. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice the product category and formulation.
E415 is xanthan gum, a hydrocolloid used for viscosity, suspension and texture in permitted foods.
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What is Xanthan gum?
Xanthan gum is made by fermenting carbohydrate sources with Xanthomonas campestris and processing the resulting gum. It can add viscosity at relatively low use levels.
What's it used for?
- Thickening liquids
- Stabilising suspensions and emulsions
- Supporting texture and mouthfeel
- Helping keep ingredients evenly distributed
Where you'll find E415 on the shelf
It is most relevant to sauces, dressings, drinks, gluten-free bakery products and other formulated foods where viscosity matters.
Is E415 permitted? What the regulators say
Xanthan gum is permitted or authorised in the three systems checked, with category, specification and good manufacturing practice conditions.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists xanthan gum as additive 415; Schedule 15 food-category permissions and conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E415 xanthan gum. Regulation (EU) 2026/196 updates some E415 uses and specifications, so current category details matter. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted for specified uses | FDA 21 CFR 172.695 permits xanthan gum as a stabiliser, emulsifier, thickener and related technical ingredient under good manufacturing practice and its specifications. |
Goodnessly rates E415 Caution to encourage label and formulation awareness. This is not a claim that permitted xanthan-gum use is harmful.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, August 2026 compilation, Schedule 15 and additive 415.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EU) 2026/196 updates E415 use and specifications.
- FDA 21 CFR 172.695 sets US use and specification conditions.
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 hydrocolloids
- People comparing thickened sauces, drinks and bakery products
- People checking the wider formulation
Goodnessly rates E415 Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Xanthan gum
- 415 or E415
- Thickener (415)
- Stabiliser (415) or emulsifier (415)
Look for xanthan gum, E415/415 or a functional class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E415?
E415 is xanthan gum, a hydrocolloid used as a thickener, stabiliser or emulsifier.
Is E415 permitted?
E415 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and current conditions still matter.
Why is xanthan gum rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice added hydrocolloids and the wider formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E415?
Goodnessly rates E415 (xanthan gum) as Caution.
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