Calcium alginate
Learn what Calcium alginate (E404) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Calcium alginate?
Food additive with emulsifying, stabilizing, anti-foaming, thickening, and agglomerating properties. It is the calcium salt of alginic acid. It is used in the quantities specified in recipes for all dairy products, sweets, creams, emulsion fats (spreadable with or without flavorings), sauces, ice cream, processed and preserved fruits and vegetables, canned meats, nutritional supplements, etc. Alginate is allowed in preparations intended for infants and young children, but only in processed cereal-based puddings and desserts. It is also used as a carrier substance for other food additives.
Why is Calcium alginate added to food?
Calcium alginate (E404) is a stabilizer commonly found in: Dairy products, sweets, margarine, creams, canned meat.
Permitted quantity: No maximum daily intake has been established.
Is Calcium alginate safe?
Low concern
No secondary effects have been reported at quantities incorporated in food.
Is Calcium alginate banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Calcium alginate okay for kids?
This additive is allowed in foods for children within the imposed limits.
Common foods that contain Calcium alginate
- Dairy products
- sweets
- margarine
- creams
- canned meat
How to spot Calcium alginate on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E404
- Calcium alginate
Common misspellings to watch for:
- calcium alginate
- calcium alglnate
- caleium alginate
- calcium alqinate
- calcium algindte
- cdlcium alginate
- calclum alginate
- calcium dlginate
- ealcium alginate
Better alternatives
• Excessive amounts may lead to anemia by causing a significant loss of iron in the body. Not recommended for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to marine algae. • Excessive use may lead to laxative effects. • May interact with certain medications, such as those affecting digestion.
Also known as
- calcium alginate
- calcium alglnate
- caleium alginate
- calcium alqinate
- calcium algindte
- cdlcium alginate
- calclum alginate
- calcium dlginate
- ealcium alginate
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Calcium alginate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E404 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Calcium alginate
- Is Calcium alginate safe to eat?
- No secondary effects have been reported at quantities incorporated in food.
- Is Calcium alginate banned anywhere?
- Calcium alginate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Calcium alginate safe for children?
- This additive is allowed in foods for children within the imposed limits.
- How do I spot Calcium alginate on a food label?
- Look for E404, Calcium alginate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: calcium alginate, calcium alglnate, caleium alginate.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.