E403: Ammonium Alginate
Main role: thickening and stabilization
Also listed as: ammonium algin
What is E403 (Ammonium Alginate)?
Ammonium alginate is an alginic-acid salt used in specified thickening or stabilization preparations. It is one of several alginate forms defined by their counterions. The word ammonium does not refer to adding household ammonia to a food.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is thickening and stabilization. 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
- Specified texture preparations
- Ingredient stabilization blends
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 E403, E 403, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include ammonium algin. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Compare ammonium alginate by its food-grade specification and allowed use. Sodium, potassium, calcium, and ammonium alginates are not one interchangeable commercial powder.
Is E403 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 E403 as Ammonium 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.