E400 · Alginic acid
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E400?
Alginic acid is a natural fiber extracted from brown seaweed, used in food as a thickener, gelling agent, and stabilizer in products like ice cream, sauces, and jams. It is not digested by the human body and acts as a soluble dietary fiber. It is also used in wound dressings and pharmaceutical tablets, and is considered safe for consumption.
Also appears on labels as: E400, E 400, E-400, Alginic acid, Alginate, Algin, Alginic, INS 400, Alginic acid thickener, Alginic acid stabilizer, Natural alginate, Seaweed extract alginic acid.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
- As with other fibers, very high intakes may cause bloating or interfere with absorption of some minerals.
Frequently asked questions
Is E400 safe?
Our overall verdict for E400 (Alginic acid) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E400 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Alginic acid — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E400 and why is it used?
Alginic acid is a natural fiber extracted from brown seaweed, used in food as a thickener, gelling agent, and stabilizer in products like ice cream, sauces, and jams. It is not digested by the human body and acts as a soluble dietary fiber. It is also used in wound dressings and pharmaceutical tablets, and is considered safe for consumption.
Does E400 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Alginic acid.
Watch E400
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.