What is E403?
E403 is Ammonium Alginate — the ammonium 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 E403 (Ammonium Alginate)?
E403 is the E-number for ammonium 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 ammonium salt of alginic acid from seaweed. Like every E-number, E403 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 E403 in detail below.
Where is E403 found?
E403 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 (E403) or by its full name, ammonium alginate. Common foods that may contain E403 include:
- Sauces
- Soups
- Desserts
- Jams
- Plant milks and dairy alternatives
Full guide: foods containing E403 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E403 safe?
E403 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 E403.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E403 vegan?
E403 is vegan. The ammonium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E403 →Is E403 halal?
E403 is halal. The ammonium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E403 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E403 in food?
E403 is Ammonium Alginate — the ammonium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, used as a thickeners & gelling agent to help thicken foods and create gels for the right texture.
Is E403 safe to eat?
Yes. E403 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E403 vegan?
E403 is vegan. The ammonium salt of alginic acid from seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E403 halal?
E403 is halal. The ammonium 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).