What is E400?
E400 is Alginic Acid — extracted from brown seaweed, used as a thickeners & gelling agent to help thicken foods and create gels for the right texture.
What is E400 (Alginic Acid)?
E400 is the E-number for alginic acid, one of the thickeners & gelling agents group of food additives (E400–E499). Additives in this group thicken foods and create gels for the right texture. Extracted from brown seaweed. Like every E-number, E400 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E400 in detail below.
Where is E400 found?
E400 is typically used in sauces, soups, desserts, jams, plant milks and dairy alternatives. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E400) or by its full name, alginic acid. Common foods that may contain E400 include:
- Sauces
- Soups
- Desserts
- Jams
- Plant milks and dairy alternatives
Full guide: foods containing E400 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E400 safe?
E400 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E400.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E400 vegan?
E400 is vegan. Extracted from brown seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E400 →Is E400 halal?
E400 is halal. Extracted from brown seaweed, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E400 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E400 in food?
E400 is Alginic Acid — extracted from brown seaweed, used as a thickeners & gelling agent to help thicken foods and create gels for the right texture.
Is E400 safe to eat?
Yes. E400 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E400 vegan?
E400 is vegan. Extracted from brown seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E400 halal?
E400 is halal. Extracted from brown seaweed, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).