Karaya Gum
E416
E416, karaya gum, gum karaya, gum sterculia, Sterculia gum, kadaya, karaya, katilo, kullo, kuterra
What it is
A plant gum obtained from Sterculia species and used mainly as a stabiliser, thickener and emulsifier.
Why BOTIA flags it
Karaya gum is a plant resin that absorbs water and swells greatly — so much so that in pharmacy it is used as a bulk-forming laxative. In food it is used in small amounts to thicken. The body does not digest it.
BOTIA CAN
- Identify E416, karaya gum or Sterculia gum when declared on the label.
- Trigger the E-number and texture information layers.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Determine the amount used when no quantitative declaration is provided.
- Determine the exact Sterculia source species, processing method or purity profile from the ingredient name alone.