Ammonium Alginate E403
natural — Primarily seaweed-derived.
Ammonium alginate
CAS: 9005-34-9
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 Ammonium Alginate?
Ammonium alginate is the ammonium salt of alginic acid, used as a thickener and stabilizer. It shares the colloidal and gelling properties of other alginates but is less commonly used in food applications compared to sodium or potassium alginate. JECFA considers it acceptable with no ADI specified. EFSA reviewed alginates in 2017. The ammonium group dissociates readily, so ammonium alginate behaves similarly to the free alginic acid in most food systems. It is approved in the EU under Regulation EC 1333/2008.
? Did You Know?
Ammonium 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.
Ammonium Alginate is derived from seaweed, a practice that originated centuries ago in East Asian cooking traditions.
Beyond food, Ammonium Alginate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Widely permitted in most food categories
Official EFSA LinkUnited States (FDA)
Regulated as a direct food additive under FDA CFR titles.
Japan (MHLW)
Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Natural Occurrence
The ammonium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Less commonly used than sodium or potassium alginates but provides similar functional properties.
Manufacturing
Extracted from brown seaweed using ammonium hydroxide solution, or by converting alginic acid with ammonium hydroxide. Filtered, purified, and dried.
Applications Beyond Food
Used in cosmetic formulations as a thickening agent.
Limited pharmaceutical applications.
Used in textile printing applications.