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E401ThickenerLow concern
Sodium Alginate
In plain words
The short version
The water-soluble sodium salt of seaweed alginate — thickens sauces and cold-sets into gels with calcium.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
No ADI specified. Not digested; behaves as soluble fiber. Well tolerated; very large amounts can be mildly laxative and bind some minerals.
The detail
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.