Pectin (E440) — What You Need to Know
The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.
What Is Pectin?
Pectin is a naturally occurring structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fruits. It is most concentrated in apple peels and citrus rinds, from which commercial pectin is extracted. Pectin is the gelling agent used in jams and jellies and is also an important source of dietary fiber with well-documented health benefits including cholesterol-lowering effects.
What Is It Used For?
Primary gelling agent in jams, jellies, and marmalades. Used as a thickener and stabilizer in fruit preparations, yogurt, juices, and confectionery. Also used in pharmaceutical applications and as a dietary fiber supplement.
Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
No safety concerns. Pectin is a dietary fiber with multiple health benefits, including reducing LDL cholesterol and slowing glucose absorption. It is one of the safest food additives available. Very high intake (as a supplement) may reduce absorption of certain nutrients, but this is not a concern at normal food additive levels.
eNumbers.org currently assigns Pectin an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 10/10. This is 1.8 points above the database average for thickeners (8.2/10). Dataset reference year: 2018.
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E440 or 'Pectin'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Pectin
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E440
- INS Number
- 440
- Category
- Thickeners
- Origin
- Natural
- FDA Status
- GRAS
- EFSA Status
- Authorized
- ADI
- No limit
- Dataset Review
- 2018
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Related Additives
Other thickeners in the same family