stabiliser INS 401

Sodium Alginate E401

natural — Primarily seaweed-derived.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Sodium alginate

CAS: 9005-38-3

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Sodium Alginate?

Sodium alginate is the sodium salt form of alginic acid, the most commercially important alginate. It dissolves readily in cold water to form viscous solutions, making it a highly versatile thickener, stabilizer, and film-forming agent. Used in ice cream, cream cheese, beer clarification, textured vegetable protein, and restructured fish products. Sodium alginate reacts with calcium to form firm gels — applied in encapsulation, artificial caviar, and the spherification technique. JECFA considers it acceptable with no ADI. EFSA confirmed safety in 2017. Globally approved.

? Did You Know?

Sodium Alginate occurs naturally in Brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae) and Kelp (Laminaria species). Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Sodium Alginate is derived from seaweed, a practice that originated centuries ago in East Asian cooking traditions.

Beyond food, Sodium Alginate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Widely permitted in most food categories

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Regulated as a direct food additive under FDA CFR titles.

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Natural Occurrence

The sodium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Most commonly used form of alginate due to its excellent water solubility.

Brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae)Kelp (Laminaria species)Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera)Sargassum species

Manufacturing

Method: extraction

Extracted from brown seaweed using sodium carbonate solution, which directly produces sodium alginate. Filtered, purified, and spray-dried into powder.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in face masks, toothpaste, and hair styling products.

Medical

Used in antacid formulations and as a tablet disintegrant.

Industrial

Used in textile printing, paper coatings, and ceramics.

Household

Popular in molecular gastronomy for creating caviar-like spheres

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sodium Alginate (E401)?

Sodium Alginate (E401) is a stabiliser used in food products. It is natural and seaweed-derived. The sodium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Most commonly used form of alginate due to its excellent water solubility.

Where is Sodium Alginate found naturally?

Sodium Alginate is naturally found in Brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae), Kelp (Laminaria species), Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), Sargassum species. The sodium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Most commonly used form of alginate due to its excellent water solubility.

What foods contain Sodium Alginate?

Sodium Alginate is used in various food categories including Flavoured fermented milk products, Edible ices. It is used as a stabiliser in these products.

Is Sodium Alginate the same as Sodium algin?

Yes, Sodium Alginate is also known as Sodium algin, Algin sodium salt. These are different names for the same substance.