Potassium alginate
Learn what Potassium alginate (E402) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Potassium alginate?
Food additive with emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, and gelling properties. It is the potassium 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 permitted in products 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 Potassium alginate added to food?
Potassium alginate (E402) is a stabilizer commonly found in: Dairy products, sweets, margarine, creams, canned meat.
Permitted quantity: No maximum daily intake has been established.
Is Potassium alginate safe?
Low concern
No secondary effects have been reported at quantities incorporated in food.
Is Potassium alginate banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Potassium alginate okay for kids?
This additive is permitted in foods for children within the specified limits.
Common foods that contain Potassium alginate
- Dairy products
- sweets
- margarine
- creams
- canned meat
See the full list of foods that contain Potassium alginate →
How to spot Potassium alginate on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E402
- Potassium alginate
Common misspellings to watch for:
- pota$sium alginate
- potassium alginate
- potasslum alginate
- potassium algindte
- potas$ium alginate
- potassium alqinate
- dotassium alginate
- potassium dlginate
- potassium alglnate
- potdssium alginate
Better alternatives
• Not recommended for individuals with renal insufficiency or kidney conditions due to the risk of potassium accumulation. • Excessive use may cause laxative effects or electrolyte imbalances. • Individuals on medications affecting potassium levels should avoid excessive consumption.
Also known as
- pota$sium alginate
- potassium alginate
- potasslum alginate
- potassium algindte
- potas$ium alginate
- potassium alqinate
- dotassium alginate
- potassium dlginate
- potassium alglnate
- potdssium alginate
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Potassium alginate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E402 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Potassium alginate
- Is Potassium alginate safe to eat?
- No secondary effects have been reported at quantities incorporated in food.
- Is Potassium alginate banned anywhere?
- Potassium alginate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Potassium alginate safe for children?
- This additive is permitted in foods for children within the specified limits.
- How do I spot Potassium alginate on a food label?
- Look for E402, Potassium alginate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: pota$sium alginate, potassium alginate, potasslum alginate.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.