Is E401 halal or haram?
Sodium alginate · Thickener
E401 (Sodium alginate) is generally classified as halal. Seaweed-derived.
What is E401?
E401, listed on labels as Sodium alginate, is a thickener that gives products a richer, more viscous texture. You'll most often find it in packaged and processed foods.
Is E401 halal? The verdict
Good news — you can treat E401 as halal. Seaweed-derived. The additive itself needs no special certification. Keep in mind the finished product can still contain other ingredients that aren't halal, so always read the full list.
How to check E401 on a label
If you see E401 (or "Sodium alginate") in an ingredient list, no further checking is needed for this additive — focus your attention on meat, animal fats, gelatin and flavourings instead.
Other names & label terms to scan for
Sodium alginateE401
Bottom line
E401 is halal. Safe to consume as far as this additive is concerned.
Stop guessing in the aisle
Halal Food AI flags E401 and every other suspect or not-halal additive automatically — just scan the barcode or snap the ingredient list. Plain-language verdicts, 25+ languages.