Agar (E406) — What You Need to Know
Safe(10/10)Natural
The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.
What Is Agar?
Natural gelling agent from red seaweed. Used as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin. Popular in Japanese cuisine and molecular gastronomy.
What Is It Used For?
Function:
Regulatory & Editorial Context
📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not specified
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Approved (no ADI needed)
Editorial context score
eNumbers.org currently assigns Agar an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 10/10. This is 1.8 points above the database average for thickeners (8.2/10). Dataset reference year: .
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Jelly dessertsYoghurtCanned meatConfectioneryJapanese wagashi
Always check the label for E406 or 'Agar'
▶Chemical Information
CAS Number: 9002-18-0
INS Number: 406
Also known as: E406, INS 406, Agar-Agar, Kanten
Frequently Asked Questions about Agar
Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS; EFSA/EU — Approved (no ADI needed). Regulatory status can change and does not replace personal medical advice.
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E406
- INS Number
- 406
- Category
- Thickeners
- Origin
- Natural
- FDA Status
- GRAS
- EFSA Status
- Approved (no ADI needed)
- ADI
- Not specified
- Dataset Review
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.