Food & beverage
Thickener and stabilizer.
Ingredients / Hydrocolloids / Alginic Acid
Hydrocolloids, thickeners & emulsifiers
Alginic Acid (E 400)
Alginic acid for U.S. manufacturers, from vetted producers. FCC / USP grade on request. Download the sample spec sheet, then send us your grade and quantity.
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Key facts
| E-number (EU) | E 400 |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | (C6H8O6)n |
| Molecular weight | 10 000 -600 000 (typical average) |
| Description | Alginic acid occurs in filamentous, grainy, granular and powdered forms. It is a white to yellowish brown and nearly odourless |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water and organic solvents, slowly soluble in solutions of sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide and trisodium phosphate |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 400) sample spec · FCC / USP available on request for U.S. food/pharma use |
| Origin | Confirmed in every offer; stated per lot on the COA |
| Storage, shelf life, packaging | Per the producer's specification, on request |
What alginic acid is
Linear glycuronoglycan consisting mainly of β-(1-4) linked D-mannuronic and α-(1-4) linked L-guluronic acid units in pyranose ring form. Hydrophilic colloidal carbohydrate extracted by the use of dilute alkali from strains of various species of brown seaweeds (Phaeophyceae). Formula (C6H8O6)n, molecular weight 10 000 -600 000 (typical average). Alginic acid occurs in filamentous, grainy, granular and powdered forms. It is a white to yellowish brown and nearly odourless. Insoluble in water and organic solvents, slowly soluble in solutions of sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide and trisodium phosphate. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 400.)
Applications by industry
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 400), consolidated text of 18.08.2026. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the COA for your lot are available on request.
| Assay | Alginic acid yields, on the anhydrous basis, not less than 20 % and not more than 23 % of carbon dioxide (CO2), equivalent to not less than 91 % and not more than 104,5 % of alginic acid (C6H8O6)n (calculted on equivalent weight basis of 200) |
|---|---|
| Loss on drying | Not more than 15 % (105 °C, 4 hours) |
| Sulphated ash | Not more than 8 % on the anhydrous basis |
| Sodium hydroxide (1 M solution) insoluble matter | Not more than 2 % on the anhydrous basis |
| Formaldehyde | Not more than 50 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | Not more than 3 mg/kg |
| Lead | Not more than 5 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 1 mg/kg |
| Cadmium | Not more than 1 mg/kg |
Download the full spec sheet (PDF)
Documents and sourcing
Droplet promise. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Data sheet, SDS and COA on request. Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot.
Questions buyers ask
What is alginic acid used for?
Typical uses by industry. Food & beverage: Thickener and stabilizer. Suitability for your product and market is confirmed with the producer's specification.
Which grades can McBoeck supply?
Food grade to EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 400). FCC / USP grade is available on request for U.S. food and pharma use. Particle size and other grade details follow the producer's specification, on request.
Which documents come with alginic acid?
Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request.
What does the sample spec sheet show?
Limits for assay, loss on drying, sulphated ash, sodium hydroxide (1 m solution) insoluble matter, formaldehyde, arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium, taken from EU Regulation 231/2012. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the lot COA are available on request.
How do I get a quote?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location through the quote form or at [email protected]. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Related hydrocolloids
AgarCarrageenanDistilled Monoglycerides, DMGGellan GumAll hydrocolloids
Need alginic acid?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.