What is E401?
E401 is Sodium Alginate — the sodium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, used as a thickeners & gelling agent to help thicken foods and create gels for the right texture.
What is E401 (Sodium Alginate)?
E401 is the E-number for sodium alginate, 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. The sodium salt of alginic acid from seaweed. Like every E-number, E401 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 E401 in detail below.
Where is E401 found?
E401 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 (E401) or by its full name, sodium alginate. Common foods that may contain E401 include:
- Sauces
- Soups
- Desserts
- Jams
- Plant milks and dairy alternatives
Full guide: foods containing E401 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E401 safe?
E401 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 E401.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E401 vegan?
E401 is vegan. The sodium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E401 →Is E401 halal?
E401 is halal. The sodium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E401 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E401 in food?
E401 is Sodium Alginate — the sodium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, used as a thickeners & gelling agent to help thicken foods and create gels for the right texture.
Is E401 safe to eat?
Yes. E401 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E401 vegan?
E401 is vegan. The sodium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E401 halal?
E401 is halal. The sodium salt of alginic acid from 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).