Sodium alginate
What is Sodium alginate?
Sodium alginate is a salt derived from alginic acid, a polysaccharide found in brown seaweed. It is produced by treating brown seaweed with sodium carbonate, which extracts the alginic acid, followed by reaction with a sodium compound. It is commonly used as a food additive.
Is Sodium alginate vegan?
Sodium alginate is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Sodium alginate gluten-free?
It is not a source of gluten.
Is Sodium alginate a major allergen?
Sodium alginate is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Sodium alginate used for?
Sodium alginate is primarily used as a thickener, stabiliser, and gelling agent in the food industry.
Is Sodium alginate safe?
Sodium alginate is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Sodium alginate is primarily used as a thickener, stabiliser, and gelling agent in the food industry. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products like desserts, yogurts, and ice cream, and is also used in noodles and pastries to achieve a desired mouthfeel.
Health notes
Sodium alginate is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It has been evaluated by EFSA, which has assessed its safety. At typical levels of consumption found in food, it is generally considered to have no adverse health effects. It is a source of fibre, which can contribute to digestive health.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 1.6.1 unflavoured pasteurised cream (excluding reduced fat creams) | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.1.2 peeled cut and shredded fruit and vegetables | 2400 |
| 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | No numerical limit listed |
| 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | 500 |
| 13.1.5.1 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, intended for infants | 1000 |
| 13.1.5.2 Foods for special medical purposes, as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, intended for infants as from four months of age and for young children | 1000 |
Allergen info
Sodium alginate is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.
Foods that contain Sodium alginate
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