Food & beverage
Gelling and stabilizing in dairy desserts, plant-based drinks and meat products.
Ingredients / Hydrocolloids / Carrageenan
Hydrocolloids, thickeners & emulsifiers
Carrageenan (E 407)
Carrageenan for U.S. manufacturers, from vetted producers. FCC / USP grade on request. Download the sample spec sheet, then send us your grade and quantity.
TRACED · CERTIFIED · RELIABLE · TRANSPARENT · TESTED
Key facts
| CAS No. | 11114-20-8 |
|---|---|
| E-number (EU) | E 407 |
| Synonyms | Products of commerce are sold under different names such as: Irish moss gelose, Eucheuman (from Eucheuma spp.), Iridophycan (from Iridaea spp.), Hypnean (from Hypnea spp.), Furcellaran or Danish agar (from Furcellaria fastigiata), Carrageenan (from Chondrus and Gigartina spp.) |
| Description | Yellowish to colourless, coarse to fine powder which is practically odourless |
| Solubility | Soluble in hot water; insoluble in alcohol for a 1,5 % dilution |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 407) 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 carrageenan is
Carrageenan is obtained by extraction with water or dilute aqueous alkali of strains of seaweeds of Gigartinaceae, Solieriaceae, Hypneaceae and Furcellariaceae, families of the class Rhodophyceae (red seaweeds). Carrageenan consists chiefly of the potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium sulphate esters of galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose polysacharide. Yellowish to colourless, coarse to fine powder which is practically odourless. Soluble in hot water; insoluble in alcohol for a 1,5 % dilution. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 407.)
Applications by industry
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 407), 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.
| Solvent residues | Not more than 0,1 % of methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol, singly or in combination |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | Not less than 5 mPa.s (1,5 % solution at 75 °C) |
| Loss on drying | Not more than 12 % (105 °C, 4 hours) |
| Sulphates | Not less than 15 % and not more than 40 % on the dried basis (as SO4) |
| Ash | Not less than 15 % and not more than 40 % determined on the dried basis at 550 °C |
| Acid-insoluble ash | Not more than 1 % on the dried basis (insoluble in 10 % hydrochloric acid) |
| Acid-insoluble matter | Not more than 2 % on the dried basis (insoluble in 1 % v/v sulphuric acid) |
| Low molecular weight carrageenan (Molecular weight fraction below 50 kDa) | Not more than 5 % |
| 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 2 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 carrageenan used for?
Typical uses by industry. Food & beverage: Gelling and stabilizing in dairy desserts, plant-based drinks and meat products. 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 407). 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 carrageenan?
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 solvent residues, viscosity, loss on drying, sulphates, ash, acid-insoluble ash, acid-insoluble matter, low molecular weight carrageenan (molecular weight fraction below 50 kda), 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
AgarAlginic AcidDistilled Monoglycerides, DMGGellan GumAll hydrocolloids
Need carrageenan?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.