Is E401 halal?

What is E401?

Sodium alginate is the sodium salt of alginic acid, a natural gum found in the cell walls of brown seaweeds such as Laminaria and Ascophyllum. The seaweed is extracted with a sodium carbonate solution, and the alginate is then purified, precipitated and dried into a powder.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Alginate comes only from brown seaweed, and processing uses water, mineral salts and acids. Nothing from animals is involved, which is why sodium alginate is generally regarded as halal. It is one of the plant-based gelling agents that can replace gelatin.

How to check the label

No special check is needed for this additive itself. It may be listed as E401, sodium alginate or simply alginate, sometimes next to a calcium salt that helps the gel set.

Where you'll find it

• ice cream
• desserts and puddings
• bakery products
• sauces and dressings
• jams and fruit spreads

Good to know

• E401 belongs to the alginate family E400–E404: alginic acid and its sodium, potassium, ammonium and calcium salts.
• EFSA re-evaluated the alginates in 2017 and concluded that no numerical ADI was needed.
• Alginate forms a gel when it meets calcium, without any heating.

Similar additives

• E406 Agar Generally halal
• E407 Carrageenan Generally halal
• E410 Locust bean gum (carob) Generally halal
• E412 Guar gum Generally halal
• E415 Xanthan gum Generally halal
• E440 Pectin Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of alginic acid and its salts E400–E404 (2017)
2. EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012

Frequently asked questions