E402 · Potassium alginate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E402?
Potassium alginate is the potassium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed, used in food as a thickener, emulsifier, and gelling agent in products such as jellied candies and beverages. Like other alginates, it functions as a soluble fiber that is not digested by the body. It is considered safe at typical food use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Potassium alginate, Alginate potassium salt, K-alginate, E402, E 402, E-402, INS 402, Potassium alginate food grade, Food additive E402, Additivo alimentare E402, Additif alimentaire E402, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff E402.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
- Very high intakes of any added fiber may cause bloating or mild digestive discomfort.
Frequently asked questions
Is E402 safe?
Our overall verdict for E402 (Potassium alginate) 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 E402 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium alginate — 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 E402 and why is it used?
Potassium alginate is the potassium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed, used in food as a thickener, emulsifier, and gelling agent in products such as jellied candies and beverages. Like other alginates, it functions as a soluble fiber that is not digested by the body. It is considered safe at typical food use levels.
Does E402 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium alginate.
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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.