E402: Potassium Alginate
Main role: thickening and gelling
Also listed as: potassium algin
What is E402 (Potassium Alginate)?
Potassium alginate is the potassium salt of alginic acid. It contributes viscosity and structure in suitable water-based foods and can interact with calcium in gelling systems. It is distinct from sodium alginate even though both belong to one family.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is thickening and gelling. Texture ingredients help a recipe control thickness, binding, or separation. Their behavior depends on temperature, acidity, concentration, and other ingredients; two thickeners with similar names may not perform identically.
Food and formulation examples
- Texture-control preparations
- Selected gels
- Ingredient stabilization systems
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E402, E 402, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium algin. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Choosing a potassium alginate form changes the accompanying mineral, but not the underlying alginate family. The finished recipe determines how much potassium reaches a serving.
Is E402 safe?
The EFSA alginates re-evaluation (2017) is a scientific reference for this group. Its conclusions apply to the uses and exposures considered in that assessment, rather than every possible use or personal circumstance.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E402 as Potassium alginate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.