E 418 Gellan gum

What is E 418?

E 418 is the E number of Gellan gum. Gelling agent produced by bacteria through fermentation. It is used in plant-based drinks, desserts and drinks with fruit pieces.

What is E 418 used for?

E 418 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as thickener, gelling agent, stabiliser.

• Thickener: Thickeners increase the viscosity of a food.
• Gelling agent: Gelling agents give a food texture through the formation of a gel.
• Stabiliser: Stabilisers maintain the physical state of a food, such as an even mixture or colour.

Which foods may contain E 418?

According to the European Commission's database, E 418 may be used in 72 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 418 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 418 linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be produced with microorganisms that can be genetically modified. If a substance is only produced with the help of genetically modified microorganisms, EU law does not require it to be labelled.

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 418 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Thickener: E 418" or "Thickener: Gellan gum".