E405 · Carriers, Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners

Propylene glycol alginate

Limited risk

Modified seaweed thickener (beer foam, dressings).

Category: Carriers, Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes

What it is

A natural polysaccharide used as a highly effective thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent.

How it is used in food

Forms strong gels that do not melt when heated, making it perfect for structured foods like fruit pieces in baked goods.

Commonly found in

Ice cream
Puddings
Pie fillings
Salad dressings

Health and safety

Extremely safe. Alginates are not absorbed by the body and pass through as dietary fibre.

Evaluated by EFSA and confirmed safe for use in food at authorized levels.

Regulatory status

Region	Status	Notes
Australia & New Zealand FSANZ	Permitted	Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
European Union EFSA / European Commission	Permitted	Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration)	Permitted	Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives).

Identification on labels

E-number: E405

Worth knowing

Alginate is the magic ingredient used in molecular gastronomy to create "spheres" of liquid that pop in your mouth.

Conclusion

Propylene glycol alginate is worth keeping in perspective if you consume many processed foods and drinks with modified thickeners. While derived from brown seaweed and evaluated as safe by EFSA at authorised levels, it is a modified additive used to stabilise items like beer foam and dressings. For general consumers, propylene glycol alginate represents a bounded concern.

References

INCHEM JECFA Evaluation

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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