Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Potassium Alginate vegan?
Also known as: E402
E-number: E402
Vegan
Suitable for a vegan diet.
Yes — Extracted from brown seaweed.
01 · The basics
What is Potassium Alginate?
A potassium salt of alginic acid used to thicken and gel foods, especially in low-sodium applications.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
Extracted from brown seaweed. It involves no animal products.
03 · Alternatives
Best vegan alternatives
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Frequently asked
FAQ
Is E402 vegan?
Yes, it is entirely plant (seaweed) based.
Commonly found in
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Sodium Alginate
A natural polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed, used as a thickener and gelling agent, especially in spherification (molecular gastronomy).
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