Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Propylene Glycol Alginate vegan?
Also known as: PGA, E405
E-number: E405
Vegan
Suitable for a vegan diet.
Yes — It is made from seaweed extract (alginic acid) and propylene glycol (a synthetic petroleum derivative).
01 · The basics
What is Propylene Glycol Alginate?
An ester of alginic acid used to stabilize foams and thicken acidic liquids where regular alginates would fail.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
It is made from seaweed extract (alginic acid) and propylene glycol (a synthetic petroleum derivative). It is vegan.
03 · Alternatives
Best vegan alternatives
Xanthan gum
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Frequently asked
FAQ
Is E405 vegan?
Yes, it is a synthetic and seaweed-derived compound.
Why is it in beer?
It helps to stabilize the foam head so it lasts longer in the glass.
Commonly found in
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Other thickener ingredients
E920 (L-Cysteine)
A dough conditioner used in commercial bread baking.
Xanthan Gum (E415)
A popular food additive that helps thicken and stabilize foods.
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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