Thickener: Sodium Alginate

Sodium alginate is a salt derived from alginic acid, a natural carbohydrate found in the cell walls of brown seaweed. It is produced by reacting alginic acid with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.

Manufacturers add sodium alginate to foods as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It helps improve texture and prevent separation in products like ice cream, yogurt, sauces, and baked goods.

Sodium alginate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated it. At typical consumption levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects. It is a source of dietary fiber.