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Thickening and gelling.
Ingredients / Hydrocolloids / Sodium Alginate
Hydrocolloids, thickeners & emulsifiers
Sodium Alginate (E 401)
Sodium alginate 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. | 9005-38-3 |
|---|---|
| E-number (EU) | E 401 |
| Synonyms | Sodium salt of alginic acid |
| Chemical formula | (C6H7NaO6)n |
| Molecular weight | 10 000 -600 000 (typical average) |
| Description | Nearly odourless, white to yellowish fibrous or granular powder |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 401) 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 sodium alginate is
Chemical name: Sodium salt of alginic acid. Formula (C6H7NaO6)n, molecular weight 10 000 -600 000 (typical average). Nearly odourless, white to yellowish fibrous or granular powder. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 401.)
Applications by industry
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 401), 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 | Yields, on the anhydrous basis, not less than 18 % and not more than 21 % of carbon dioxide corresponding to not less than 90,8 % and not more than 106,0 % of sodium alginate (calculated on equivalent weight basis of 222) |
|---|---|
| Loss on drying | Not more than 15 % (105 °C, 4 hours) |
| Water 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 sodium alginate used for?
Typical uses by industry. Food & beverage: Thickening and gelling. 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 401). 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 sodium alginate?
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, water 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
AgarAlginic AcidCarrageenanDistilled Monoglycerides, DMGAll hydrocolloids
Need sodium alginate?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.