Is Agar Safe? E406 Explained
Agar is E406 (Agar) — a thickener (seaweed) used in soups and gravies, yoghurts.
What is Agar?
E406 is Agar, a food additive classified as a thickeners & gelling agent that thicken and gel foods. A thickener (seaweed) used in soups and gravies, yoghurts. You'll find it in soups and gravies, yoghurts, jams and many other packaged foods. Agar is one of the better-known food additives and appears regularly in label-reading guides and dietary discussions. Like every E-number, E406 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Is Agar bad for you?
EFSA has reviewed E406 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Agar to harm at normal dietary intakes.
EFSA opinion: Agar — status Safe.
Foods containing Agar
- soups and gravies
- yoghurts
- jams
- ready meals
- salad dressings
- ice cream
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Related to Agar
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Additive-Free Cookbook
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Whole Food Cooking Guide
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Food Intolerance Test Kit
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Agar FAQs
Is Agar bad for you?
EFSA has reviewed E406 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Agar to harm at normal dietary intakes.
Is Agar vegan?
E406 (Agar) is vegan. It is derived from seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is Agar halal?
E406 (Agar) is halal. It is derived from seaweed, which involves no haram sources.
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA