What is E401?
Sodium alginate (E401) is a seaweed-derived hydrocolloid used to thicken, stabilise and gel selected foods. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice the food category and formulation.
E401 is sodium alginate, a hydrocolloid that can thicken liquids and form gels or stable textures in permitted foods.
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What is Sodium alginate?
Sodium alginate is the sodium salt of alginic acid. It hydrates in water and can provide viscosity, stability or gel structure depending on the formulation.
What's it used for?
- Thickening liquids
- Stabilising emulsions and suspensions
- Forming gels with suitable ingredients
- Supporting texture and consistency
Where you'll find E401 on the shelf
It is most relevant to sauces, desserts, prepared foods and other products where a hydrocolloid texture is useful.
Is E401 permitted? What the regulators say
Sodium alginate is permitted in the three systems checked, with category, purity and good manufacturing practice conditions.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists sodium alginate as additive 401 in Schedule 15; the applicable food category and level control its use. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E401 sodium alginate, including quantum satis permissions in specified categories, with purity specifications. |
| US United States (FDA) | Affirmed GRAS for specified use | FDA 21 CFR 184.1724 affirms food-grade sodium alginate as GRAS when used for permitted functions under good manufacturing practice. |
Goodnessly rates E401 Caution to encourage label and formulation awareness. This is not a claim that permitted sodium alginate use is harmful.
Eco score: Coming Soon.
- FSANZ Schedule 15 lists sodium alginate (INS 401) with category conditions.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 cover E401 use and purity.
- FDA 21 CFR 184.1724 covers sodium alginate.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who prefer to understand added hydrocolloids
- People comparing thickened or gelled foods
- People checking sodium in the wider diet
Goodnessly rates E401 Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Sodium alginate
- 401 or E401
- Alginate
- Thickener (401) or stabiliser (401)
Look for sodium alginate, E401/401, or the functional class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E401?
E401 is sodium alginate, a hydrocolloid used as a thickener, stabiliser or gelling agent.
Is E401 permitted?
E401 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and use level still matter.
Why is sodium alginate rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice hydrocolloids and the overall formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E401?
Goodnessly rates E401 (sodium alginate) as Caution.
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