What is E407a? Processed Eucheuma Seaweed Explained

As an Amazon Associate and AWIN affiliate partner we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Disclosure ›

🟡 🟡 Some Concerns
E407a — Processed Eucheuma Seaweed
🌱VeganYes
🥚VegetarianYes
☪️HalalHalal
🌴Palm OilUnlikely

E407a is Processed Eucheuma Seaweed — a thickener (red seaweed) used in soups and gravies, yoghurts.

What is E407a (Processed Eucheuma Seaweed)?

E407a is Processed Eucheuma Seaweed, a food additive classified as a thickeners & gelling agent that thicken and gel foods. A thickener (red 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, E407a 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.

Where is E407a found?

E407a (Processed Eucheuma Seaweed) is found in soups and gravies, yoghurts, jams, ready meals, salad dressings, ice cream.

Is E407a safe?

E407a is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. For most people consuming Processed Eucheuma Seaweed in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflects either active scientific debate, mandatory warning labels, allergen status, or conditions attached to its authorisation.

EFSA opinion: Processed Eucheuma Seaweed — status Some concerns.

Check the calorie content of foods containing E407a. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.

Cleaner alternatives to E407a

organic vegan seaweed snacks

MORiSH Seaweed

MORiSH Crispy Seaweed Thins
Want a snack where you can read every ingredient? MORiSH crispy seaweed thins are organic, vegan and gluten-free — no hidden E-numbers.

Shop at MORiSH →
Circle DNA

Circle DNA Premium Test
Find out how your body responds to foods and additives — nutrition, sensitivities and 500+ reports from one at-home DNA test.

Circle DNA fitness & nutrition →

E407a FAQs

What is E407a in food?

E407a is Processed Eucheuma Seaweed — a thickener (red seaweed) used in soups and gravies, yoghurts.

Is E407a safe to eat?

E407a is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. For most people consuming Processed Eucheuma Seaweed in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflec

Is E407a vegan?

E407a (Processed Eucheuma Seaweed) is vegan. It is derived from red seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard food production.

Is E407a halal?

E407a (Processed Eucheuma Seaweed) is halal. It is derived from red seaweed, which involves no haram sources.

Related Thickeners & Gelling Agents additives

Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA

Last updated: