Is E404 Vegan?
E404 (Calcium Alginate) is suitable for vegans. It is the calcium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, and no animal-derived materials are involved in its standard production.
Why is E404 vegan?
The calcium salt of alginic acid from seaweed. Because the production process doesn't use animal ingredients or animal processing aids, E404 is classed as vegan by the Open Food Facts additive taxonomy and by vegan organisations.
What can vegans look for instead?
No alternative needed — E404 itself is vegan-friendly. Just remember that a product containing E404 can still be non-vegan because of its other ingredients, so always read the full label.
Is E404 vegetarian?
Yes — E404 is suitable for vegetarians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E404 always non-vegan?
E404 is consistently produced without animal ingredients, so it is regarded as vegan in all normal food uses.
How can I tell if E404 is vegan in a specific product?
You generally don't need to — E404 is vegan by nature. Check the rest of the ingredients list for animal-derived items instead.
Are there vegan-friendly versions of E404?
All standard food-grade E404 is vegan, so no special version is needed.
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Vegan status follows the Open Food Facts additive taxonomy (ODbL licence). Sources may vary by manufacturer — check packaging or look for certified vegan labelling.