Is Sodium Alginate (E401) Halal?

MUIS lists E401 (Sodium Alginate) as halal. It is derived from plant material and its normal production involves no animal-derived ingredients. The status applies to the additive itself; the finished product still needs its other ingredients checked.

Sodium alginate is the sodium salt of alginic acid, the most widely used form of alginate. It dissolves readily in water to form viscous solutions that gel in the presence of calcium.

• ice cream
• fruit fillings
• instant noodles
• salad dressings
• molecular gastronomy (spherification)

• E401 on its own is not a reason to avoid a product.
• The finished product still needs its other ingredients checked — look for a halal certification logo (MUIS, JAKIM, MUI, HMC or similar) when in doubt.
• Halal status here follows the MUIS food additive listing; rulings can differ between certification bodies.

alginic acid (E400), potassium alginate (E402), carrageenan (E407)

E401 (Sodium Alginate) is halal for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. Sodium alginate is the sodium salt of alginic acid, the most widely used form of alginate.

Sodium alginate is the sodium salt of alginic acid, the most widely used form of alginate. It dissolves readily in water to form viscous solutions that gel in the presence of calcium.

E401 is commonly found in ice cream, fruit fillings, instant noodles, salad dressings, and molecular gastronomy (spherification).