What is E402?
E402 is Potassium Alginate — the potassium 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 E402 (Potassium Alginate)?
E402 is the E-number for potassium 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 potassium salt of alginic acid from seaweed. Like every E-number, E402 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 E402 in detail below.
Where is E402 found?
E402 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 (E402) or by its full name, potassium alginate. Common foods that may contain E402 include:
- Sauces
- Soups
- Desserts
- Jams
- Plant milks and dairy alternatives
Full guide: foods containing E402 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E402 safe?
E402 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 E402.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E402 vegan?
E402 is vegan. The potassium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E402 →Is E402 halal?
E402 is halal. The potassium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E402 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E402 in food?
E402 is Potassium Alginate — the potassium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, used as a thickeners & gelling agent to help thicken foods and create gels for the right texture.
Is E402 safe to eat?
Yes. E402 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E402 vegan?
E402 is vegan. The potassium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E402 halal?
E402 is halal. The potassium 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
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Concerned about food additives?
Food Intolerance Test
Find out exactly which ingredients affect you with a home food intolerance test.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).