E404: Calcium Alginate
Main role: gel structure and stabilization
Also listed as: calcium algin
What is E404 (Calcium Alginate)?
Calcium alginate is the calcium salt of alginic acid and has different solubility and structural properties from sodium alginate. It is useful in systems needing a calcium-linked alginate structure rather than just a freely dissolved thickener.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is gel structure 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
- Structured food gels
- Selected texture-control preparations
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 E404, E 404, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include calcium algin. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Calcium alginate cannot be assumed to dissolve like sodium alginate. That distinction helps explain why two products labeled alginate can behave differently during preparation.
Is E404 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 E404 as Calcium 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.