E418

What is E418?

Gellan gum (E418) is a fermentation-derived thickener and stabiliser used in selected foods. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a preference to keep texture additives occasional.

Quick answer

E418 is a polysaccharide made by fermentation and used to create gels, suspend particles or stabilise a food system.

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Read the FAQ →

What is Gellan gum?

E418 is a polysaccharide made by fermentation and used to create gels, suspend particles or stabilise a food system.

What's it used for?

  • Thickening and gelling
  • Keeping particles suspended
  • Stabilising drinks, sauces and desserts

Where you'll find E418 on the shelf

It is most relevant to plant-based drinks, desserts, sauces and other foods that need a stable gel or suspension.

Plant-based drinks
Desserts and gels
Sauces and dressings
Suspension systems
Thickener (418)

Is E418 safe? What the regulators say

Gellan gum is authorised with conditions in the three systems checked. The food category, specification and use level still matter.

Region Status What this means
AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) Permitted with conditions FSANZ lists gellan gum as additive 418 in Schedule 15; food-category conditions apply.
EU European Union (EFSA) Authorised with conditions E418 is on the EU Union list for specified uses and must meet the applicable specifications.
US United States (FDA) Affirmed GRAS for specified use FDA lists gellan gum under 21 CFR 172.665 for use in food in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

Caution is a preference to notice fermentation-derived texture agents, not a claim that authorised E418 use causes harm.

📰 Recent developments Last checked September 2026
  • FSANZ Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, additive 418.
  • EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list, E418.
  • FDA 21 CFR 172.665, Gellan gum.

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 fewer texture additives
  • People comparing plant-based drinks and desserts
  • People following professional advice about individual sensitivities

Goodnessly rates E418 Caution as a practical preference for moderation and label awareness.

How to spot it on a label

Look for:

  • Gellan gum
  • 418 or E418
  • Thickener (418)
  • Stabiliser (418)

The label may show gellan gum by name or use a functional class followed by the number.

Related additives

407 Carrageenan 409 Arabinogalactan or larch gum 410 Locust bean gum 415 Xanthan gum

Frequently asked questions

What is E418?

E418 is gellan gum, a fermentation-derived thickener and stabiliser.

Is E418 permitted?

E418 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US.

Why is E418 rated Caution?

Goodnessly uses Caution as a preference to keep texture additives occasional.

How does Goodnessly rate E418?

Goodnessly rates E418 (gellan gum) as Caution.

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