Alginates (E400 to E405): Halal or Haram?
Halal
Alginates thicken and gel, and every one of them starts as brown seaweed. The numbers differ in which salt the seaweed extract is combined with, which changes how it behaves in a recipe but not where it comes from.
E400 Alginic acid
A thickener extracted from brown seaweed.
Why it is Halal. Seaweed is a plant source, so no animal question arises.
Where you meet it. Ice cream, sauces, dessert gels, jellies.
E401 Sodium alginate
The most used seaweed thickener.
Why it is Halal. Seaweed extract with a mineral sodium salt.
Where you meet it. Ice cream, reformed fruit pieces, sauces, dressings.
E402 Potassium alginate
The potassium form of the alginates.
Why it is Halal. Same seaweed origin.
Where you meet it. Desserts, sauces, dairy products.
E403 Ammonium alginate
An alginate used where sodium must be avoided.
Why it is Halal. Seaweed extract with ammonia, neither animal-derived.
Where you meet it. Bakery fillings, sauces.
E404 Calcium alginate
The alginate that sets into firm beads and strands.
Why it is Halal. Seaweed with mineral calcium.
Where you meet it. Reformed fruit, vegetarian caviar-style pearls, fillings.
E405 Propylene glycol alginate
A modified alginate that survives acidity.
Why it is Halal. Seaweed extract reacted with propylene glycol, a manufactured chemical.
Where you meet it. Salad dressings, beer-style drinks, fruit drinks.
What to do in the shop
Nothing special to do for E400 itself. Read the rest of the list: a product is only as clear as its least clear ingredient.
Questions people ask
Is E400 Halal?
E400 (Alginic acid): Halal. Seaweed is a plant source, so no animal question arises.
Is E401 Halal?
E401 (Sodium alginate): Halal. Seaweed extract with a mineral sodium salt.
Is E402 Halal?
E402 (Potassium alginate): Halal. Same seaweed origin.
Is E403 Halal?
E403 (Ammonium alginate): Halal. Seaweed extract with ammonia, neither animal-derived.
Related additives
Check a product, not just a number
An additive's status describes the additive in general. What matters is the whole ingredient list on the packet in your hand.