What is E404?
Calcium alginate (E404) is an alginate salt used as a thickener, stabiliser, gelling agent or emulsifier in specified foods. Goodnessly rates E404 Safe, while food-category permissions and the relevant regulator assessment still apply.
Calcium alginate (E404) is an alginate salt used as a thickener, stabiliser, gelling agent or emulsifier in specified foods. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Calcium alginate?
E404 is the calcium salt of alginic acid, a polysaccharide obtained from brown algae. It interacts with water and calcium to support texture.
What's it used for?
- Thickening and stabilising foods
- Helping form gels
- Supporting emulsions
- Improving texture and handling
Where you'll find E404 on the shelf
You may see E404 in foods where a stable texture or gel is needed, such as sauces, desserts, fillings and other formulated products.
Is E404 permitted? What the regulators say
E404 is listed or permitted in the three systems checked, with category, level and specification conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists 404 calcium alginate and the current Schedule 15 table controls permitted food categories and levels. [FSANZ source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The Union list includes E404 calcium alginate for specified foods and conditions under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. [EUR-Lex source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | 21 CFR 184.1187 lists calcium alginate as a direct food ingredient and gives category-specific maximum levels and stabiliser/thickener functions. |
Goodnessly rates E404 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- JECFA’s calcium alginate specification was prepared at its 49th meeting and records the ADI not specified conclusion. FDA’s current regulation also sets category-specific maximum levels.
- JECFA established an ADI not specified for calcium alginate. This means a numerical daily intake limit was not considered necessary for the specified uses; it does not remove the need to follow food-category conditions.
- An ADI or “not specified” conclusion is a population risk-assessment reference, not a statement that a particular food is unsafe.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — confirm the current primary source before relying on a regulatory detail.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing thickeners and gelling agents
- People checking texture ingredients across products
- People who want to consider the full formulation
Goodnessly rates E404 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Calcium alginate
- Alginate
- 404 or E404
- Thickener (404)
- Stabiliser (404)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E404?
E404 is calcium alginate, an alginate salt used as a thickener, stabiliser, gelling agent or emulsifier.
Is E404 permitted?
E404 is listed with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU. In the US, 21 CFR 184.1187 gives specified food uses and maximum levels.
Does E404 have an ADI?
JECFA established an ADI not specified for calcium alginate for the specified uses.
How does Goodnessly rate E404?
Goodnessly rates E404 (calcium alginate) as Safe within its rating system.
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