Sodium alginate
Learn what Sodium alginate (E401) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Sodium alginate?
Sodium alginate is widely used in food products, especially in dairy-based frozen items (e.g., ice cream, yogurts, puddings, cheese sauce, and desserts) due to its thickening, gelling, and stabilizing properties.
Why is Sodium alginate added to food?
Sodium alginate (E401) is a stabilizer commonly found in: Dairy products, sweets, margarine, creams, canned meat.
Is Sodium alginate safe?
Low concern
E 401 additive is only partially fermented by gut microbiota in the human body. No carcinogenic effects have been reported at the highest tested dose of 37,500 mg sodium alginate/kg body weight per day in mice.
Is Sodium alginate banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Sodium alginate okay for kids?
According to studies, it is concluded that exposure of infants and young children to alginic acid should remain below therapeutic doses for these groups due to potential side effects.
Common foods that contain Sodium alginate
- Dairy products
- sweets
- margarine
- creams
- canned meat
How to spot Sodium alginate on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E401
- Sodium alginate
Common misspellings to watch for:
- sodium algindte
- sodium dlginate
- $odium alginate
- sodlum alginate
- sodium alglnate
- sodium alginate
- sodium alqinate
Better alternatives
• Not recommended for individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular conditions due to its sodium content. • Individuals with kidney insufficiency should avoid excessive consumption due to the risk of sodium accumulation. • Excessive use may cause dehydration or laxative effects.
Also known as
- sodium algindte
- sodium dlginate
- $odium alginate
- sodlum alginate
- sodium alglnate
- sodium alginate
- sodium alqinate
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Sodium alginate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E401 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Sodium alginate
- Is Sodium alginate safe to eat?
- E 401 additive is only partially fermented by gut microbiota in the human body. No carcinogenic effects have been reported at the highest tested dose of 37,500 mg sodium alginate/kg body weight per day in mice.
- Is Sodium alginate banned anywhere?
- Sodium alginate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Sodium alginate safe for children?
- According to studies, it is concluded that exposure of infants and young children to alginic acid should remain below therapeutic doses for these groups due to potential side effects.
- How do I spot Sodium alginate on a food label?
- Look for E401, Sodium alginate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: sodium algindte, sodium dlginate, $odium alginate.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.