Alginates
E400–E405
E400, E401, E402, E403, E404, E405, alginic acid, sodium alginate, potassium alginate, ammonium alginate, calcium alginate, propane-1,2-diol alginate, propylene glycol alginate, hydroxypropyl alginate
What it is
A family of alginic-acid and alginate additives used for gelling, thickening, stabilising and related texture functions. The EU family spans E400–E405, including propylene glycol alginate at E405.
Why BOTIA flags it
Alginates come from algae and gel when combined with calcium — this is the mechanism behind spherification in modern cuisine. On labels they appear under different numbers and they are not the same substance: JECFA evaluated alginic acid, its salts and propylene glycol alginate separately.
BOTIA CAN
- Detect E400–E405 and the corresponding alginic-acid/alginate names.
- Show the texture and E-number context for the declared family member.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Determine the concentration or exact technological function in the product from the name alone.
- Assume that all alginates are used at the same level or for the same function.