Alginic Acid (E400) — What You Need to Know
Safe(9/10)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 Alginic Acid?
Natural thickener extracted from brown seaweed. Used to create gels, thicken liquids, and stabilise foams.
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 Alginic Acid an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 9/10. This is 0.8 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
Ice creamJellyBeerSalad dressingProcessed cheese
Always check the label for E400 or 'Alginic Acid'
▶Chemical Information
CAS Number: 9005-32-7
INS Number: 400
Also known as: E400, INS 400, Algin
Frequently Asked Questions about Alginic Acid
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
- E400
- INS Number
- 400
- 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.