E401
E401: Sodium alginate
No known riskFunction: thickener
What is E401?
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a thickener used in processed foods.
What the research says
Thickener made from brown seaweed.
Regulatory status
| European Union | Approved |
|---|---|
| United States | Approved |
Questions people ask
Is E401 (Sodium alginate) safe?
Thickener made from brown seaweed.
Why is E401 added to food?
It is used as a thickener.
Does E401 make a food ultra-processed?
Yes. Under the NOVA system, cosmetic additives such as E401 mark a food as ultra-processed.