Agar (E406) — What You Need to Know
Safe(10/10)Natural
10
SAFE
Safety Score: 10/10
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:
Safety Assessment
📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not specified
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Approved (no ADI needed)
Our Assessment
Based on current evidence, Agar is rated Safe with a score of 10/10. This is 1.8 points above the average for thickeners (8.2/10). Last reviewed by regulators: .
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
Agar has a Safety Score of 10/10 (Safe). It is GRAS by the FDA and Approved (no ADI needed) by EFSA. No significant safety concerns have been identified at normal dietary levels.
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E406
- INS Number
- 406
- Category
- Thickeners
- Origin
- Natural
- FDA Status
- GRAS
- EFSA Status
- Approved (no ADI needed)
- ADI
- Not specified
- Last Review
Dietary Compatibility
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.