INS 414 is gum arabic, also called acacia gum, the dried sap of acacia trees. On Indian packs it shows up in soft drinks (where it suspends flavour oils so they do not separate), candy gloss, supplement tablet coatings, and as a fibre source in some functional foods. It is one of the oldest food additives in continuous commercial use. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
INS 414 is gum arabic, also called acacia gum, the dried sap of acacia trees. On Indian packs it shows up in soft drinks (where it suspends flavour oils so they do not separate), candy gloss, supplement tablet coatings, and as a fibre source in some functional foods. It is one of the oldest food additives in continuous commercial use.
Brands use it because gum arabic is the only natural emulsifier-stabiliser that works in cold acidic beverages without thickening them noticeably. That property makes it the default in cloud-flavoured soft drinks, where it keeps citrus and beverage oils suspended for the full shelf life. It is also a soluble dietary fibre.
INS 414 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
Gum arabic is harvested by tapping the bark of acacia trees, which exude the gum naturally as a wound response (like a tree resin). No animal product is used in its manufacture; the trees are not harmed by sustainable tapping.
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a thickener, stabiliser, and emulsifier for specified food categories with category-specific limits.
JECFA: ADI 'not specified' for gum arabic, established at 35th JECFA (1989) and maintained at later evaluations. 'Not specified' is JECFA's safest classification at typical use levels.
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 414 is also called:
Last verified: 2026-04-30.