potassium alginate
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 海藻酸钾(褐藻酸钾) |
| English name | potassium alginate |
| INS/E number | INS 402 |
| Functional class | Bulking agent, Carrier, Emulsifier, Foaming agent, Gelling agent, Glazing agent, Humectant, Sequestrant, Stabilizer, Thickener |
| Year adopted | 1999 |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
potassium alginate (INS 402) is a Bulking agent, Carrier, Emulsifier, Foaming agent, Gelling agent, Glazing agent, Humectant, Sequestrant, Stabilizer, Thickener food additive. Used to increase bulk or replace sugar/fat to provide body, usually low-calorie.Used to carry, dilute or stabilise other additives or nutrients for easier dispersion and addition.Allows immiscible liquids (e.g. oil and water) to form a stable uniform system, improving texture.Used to generate or stabilise foam, improving texture and mouthfeel.Used to form gels or semi-solid structures in liquid foods.Used to form a protective coating on food surfaces, improving appearance and preventing moisture loss.Used to retain moisture and prevent foods from drying out and hardening.Binds metal ions to prevent oxidation, discolouration or deterioration catalysed by metals.Used to keep the physical state of foods stable, preventing separation, sedimentation or syneresis.Used to increase viscosity and improve mouthfeel and body.
Source
Natural：E.g. dietary fibres, polyols, modified starches.E.g. maltodextrin, glycerol, vegetable oil.Some derive from natural raw materials (e.g. soy lecithin, egg-yolk phospholipids).E.g. soy protein, lecithin, gelatin.E.g. pectin, agar, carrageenan, gelatin.E.g. beeswax, carnauba wax, shellac.Mostly naturally occurring polyols (e.g. glycerol, sorbitol).E.g. citric acid and its salts occur naturally in citrus fruits.Mostly natural gums, proteins or polysaccharides (e.g. gelatin, pectin, locust bean gum).Mostly natural polysaccharides or proteins (e.g. pectin, xanthan, carrageenan, starch).
Industrial：Processed.Including modified starches.Many are made by esterifying glycerol with fatty acids or further derivatisation (e.g. monoglycerides, spans, tweens).Purified or modified.Extracted and purified.Purified.Produced by hydrogenation or fermentation processes.Synthesised from the corresponding acids or salts (e.g. EDTA salts, phosphates).Some are physically or chemically modified (e.g. carboxymethyl cellulose, modified starches).Some are modified for performance (e.g. hydroxypropyl starch, CMC).
Why is it used?
- Provide bulk and body
- Lower energy density
- Replace sugar or fat
- Disperse additives evenly
- Ease dosing
- Improve stability
- Stabilise oil-water emulsions
- Improve mouthfeel and structure
- Prevent separation
- Generate stable foam
- Improve texture
- Enhance mouthfeel
- Form gel structure
- Provide body
- Improve mouthfeel
- Form a protective film
- Improve gloss
- Prevent moisture loss
- Retain moisture
- Maintain soft texture
- Prevent caking
- Chelate metal ions
- Prevent oxidative discolouration
- Stabilise quality
- Maintain homogeneity
- Prevent syneresis and sedimentation
- Improve texture and water retention
- Increase viscosity
- Improve body and mouthfeel
- Stabilise suspensions
Common Foods
- Low-energy foods
- Confectionery
- Bakery
- Dairy
- Flavours
- Colours
- Vitamin premixes
- Seasonings
- Margarine
- Ice cream
- Chocolate
- Sauces
- Foam confectionery
- Beverages
- Desserts
- Jelly
- Pudding
- Yoghurt
- Aspic
- Fruits
- Nut coatings
- Candied fruit
- Meat products
- Canned foods
- Edible oils
- Cured foods
- Soups
Safety
Mostly indigestible carbs or sugar alcohols, safe within permitted use.Mostly common food matrices, safe within permitted use.Largely metabolised in the gut; generally safe within permitted use; JECFA sets ADI where applicable.Mostly food proteins or polysaccharides, safe within permitted use.Mostly natural polysaccharides or proteins, safe within permitted use.Safe within permitted use, generally non-digestible.Safe within permitted use; excess sugar alcohols may have a laxative effect.Safe within permitted use; excessive phosphate intake may affect calcium–phosphorus balance.Most act as dietary fibre or inert colloids and are safe within permitted use.Mostly indigestible polysaccharides, safe within permitted use; some act as dietary fibre.
Metabolism：Metabolic pathways vary by substance; generally the material is metabolised or excreted normally.
Concerns：
- Use within permitted levels
- Sensitive individuals should check the ingredient list
Usage Standard
China：依据 GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》确定使用范围与最大使用量；具体限值随食品类别而异。
International：
- China GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for Uses of Food Additives：https://www.cfsa.net.cn/
- Codex GSFA General Standard for Food Additives：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/codex-alimentarius/en/
- FAO/WHO JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives)：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/jecfa/en/
- US FDA Substances Added to Food：https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/substances-added-food-previously-food-additive-status-list
- EU EFSA Food Additives：https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-additives
In a nutshell
potassium alginate is a Bulking agent, Carrier, Emulsifier, Foaming agent, Gelling agent, Glazing agent, Humectant, Sequestrant, Stabilizer, Thickener, safe for use in food production within permitted limits.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.