Is Sodium Alginate Safe? E401 Explained
Sodium Alginate is E401 (Sodium Alginate) — a thickener (seaweed) used in soups and gravies, yoghurts.
What is Sodium Alginate?
E401 is Sodium Alginate, 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. Like every E-number, E401 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 Sodium Alginate bad for you?
EFSA has reviewed E401 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Sodium Alginate to harm at normal dietary intakes.
EFSA opinion: Sodium Alginate — status Safe.
Foods containing Sodium Alginate
- soups and gravies
- yoghurts
- jams
- ready meals
- salad dressings
- ice cream
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Sodium Alginate FAQs
Is Sodium Alginate bad for you?
EFSA has reviewed E401 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Sodium Alginate to harm at normal dietary intakes.
Is Sodium Alginate vegan?
E401 (Sodium Alginate) is vegan. It is derived from seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is Sodium Alginate halal?
E401 (Sodium Alginate) is halal. It is derived from seaweed, which involves no haram sources.
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA