E402ThickenerLow concern
Potassium Alginate
In plain words
The short version
The potassium salt of seaweed alginate — a thickener and gelling agent used like sodium alginate.
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.
01Origin
Where it comes from
The potassium salt of alginic acid from brown seaweed.
02Usage
How it's used
Thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent — used like sodium alginate where a potassium (rather than sodium) salt is preferred, e.g. in reduced-sodium formulations.
03Safety
Safety profile
No ADI specified. Not digested; behaves as soluble fiber.
04Properties
Physical & chemical properties
White-to-yellow water-soluble powder giving viscous solutions; gels with calcium.
05Regulation
Regulation worldwide
Permitted in the EU, the US, and globally.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.