E407: Carrageenan

What is E407?

Carrageenan (E407) is a family of polysaccharides extracted from red seaweeds. Different types, known as kappa, iota and lambda, range from firm gels to soft gels to non-gelling thickeners, and some interact strongly with milk proteins.

Origin and production

It is obtained by cooking certain red seaweeds, such as Chondrus crispus (Irish moss) and species of Kappaphycus and Eucheuma, in water or alkaline solution, then filtering, precipitating and drying the extract.

Why is it used?

Carrageenan stabilises chocolate milk and other dairy drinks, keeps ice cream smooth, gives body to desserts and plant-based milks, and helps bind water in some processed meats and cheeses. It is used in small amounts as a gelling agent, thickener and stabiliser.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Carrageenan comes from seaweed and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians; it is often used as a plant-based replacement for gelatine. It does not generally raise halal or kosher concerns.

Safety and regulation

Carrageenan is authorised in the EU with use conditions for certain foods; degraded carrageenan (poligeenan), a different substance, is not permitted. In its 2018 re-evaluation EFSA set a temporary acceptable daily intake and identified a risk of exceeding it for some population groups.

Common in