The Quick Answer E440 is pectin—a naturally occurring soluble dietary fiber found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables, most abundantly in apples and citrus fruits. Commercially extracted from…

The Quick Answer E415 is xanthan gum—a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced through fermentation of a carbohydrate (glucose or sucrose) with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It's used as a thickener, stabilizer, and…

The Quick Answer E413 is tragacanth gum—also known as "gum dragon"—a natural thickener and stabilizer extracted from the sap of Astragalus shrubs native to the Middle East (primarily Iran, Iraq,…

What is E102? Complete guide to understanding E102 (Tartrazine) in your food The Quick Answer E102 is a synthetic yellow azo dye used to color foods bright yellow. It's used…

What is E211? Complete guide to understanding E211 (Sodium Benzoate) in your food The Quick Answer E211 is a synthetic preservative that prevents bacterial, mold, and yeast growth in acidic…

The Quick Answer E412 is guar gum—a natural soluble dietary fiber extracted from the seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus), which is primarily grown in India and Pakistan. It's…

The Quick Answer E410 is locust bean gum—also called carob gum or carob bean gum—a natural thickener and stabilizer extracted from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua). It's…