stabiliser INS 404

Calcium Alginate E404

natural — Primarily seaweed-derived.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Calcium alginate

CAS: 9005-35-0

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 Calcium Alginate?

Calcium alginate is an insoluble calcium salt of alginic acid that forms firm elastic gels. Unlike sodium alginate, calcium alginate gels do not require addition of calcium — it is already incorporated into the structure. Used for encapsulation of flavors and ingredients, wound dressings, and in the food industry for structured food products. JECFA considers it acceptable with no ADI. EFSA reviewed it in 2017 as part of the alginate group. Its insolubility and gel-forming properties make it distinct from other alginates in food applications.

? Did You Know?

Calcium 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.

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

Beyond food, Calcium 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 calcium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Forms strong gels and is particularly useful for creating firm textures in restructured foods.

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

Manufacturing

Method: extraction

Produced by treating sodium alginate with calcium chloride or calcium hydroxide, which causes immediate gelation. Can also be extracted directly from seaweed using calcium-containing solutions.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in wound dressings and face mask sheets.

Medical

Used extensively in wound care products and hemostatic dressings.

Industrial

Used in textile printing and as a binder in welding rods.

Household

Used in molecular gastronomy for spherification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcium Alginate (E404)?

Calcium Alginate (E404) is a stabiliser used in food products. It is natural and seaweed-derived. The calcium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Forms strong gels and is particularly useful for creating firm textures in restructured foods.

Where is Calcium Alginate found naturally?

Calcium Alginate is naturally found in Brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae), Kelp (Laminaria species), Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). The calcium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Forms strong gels and is particularly useful for creating firm textures in restructured foods.

What foods contain Calcium Alginate?

Calcium Alginate is used in various food categories including Flavoured fermented milk products, Meat products. It is used as a stabiliser in these products.

Is Calcium Alginate the same as Calcium algin?

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