Skip to Content

Seaweed E-numbers

In the European Community, "E" numbers have been given to food additives and these can be identified in food labels from these numbers. Elswhere, however, they often pass under a variety of names that often seem to be designed to occlude their origin. Here are some of the seaweed E-numbers and a few of their uses.

Carrageen Moss Irish Moss

Please note that there is a lot of overlap in usage.

Product
E num-ber
Origin
Used as
Typical products
Alginates and various derivatives (e.g. Sodium alginate, Propylene glycol alginate) E400-405 Large brown seaweeds such as Laminaria hyperborea, Ascophyllum nodosum and Macrocystis  species Emulsifier, suspending, stabiliser, gelling agent, thickner. Ice-creams, milk shakes, instant desserts, custards. Suspending agent in soft drinks. Spreads and many others.
Agar E406 Mainly species of Gelidium, Pterocladia, and Gracilaria Emulsifier, stabiliser, gelling agent, thickner. Ice-creams, tinned goods, glazes for meats, etc.
Carrageenan E407 Mainly Eucheuma, Betaphycus, Kappaphycus, amd Chondrus crispus Emulsifier, stabiliser, gelling agent, thickner. Ice-creams, milk shakes, instant desserts, custards. Suspending agent in soft drinks. Spreads and many others.
  • Bio AtlantisBioAtlantis provides sustainable technologies from the sea to enhance plant, animal and human health.
  • Connemara Organic Seaweed CompanyConnemara Organic Seaweed Company provide hand harvested, sustainable, kelp and seaweed products for human consumption through health supplements and edible products.
  • Emerald Isle Organic Irish SeaweedEmerald Isle Organic Irish Seaweed. A family business producing seaweed as supplements, cooking, gardening and bath products.
  • Irish Seaweeds LtdIrish Seaweeds Ltd are suppliers of 100% natural hand-harvested seaweeds and edible sea vegetable products from Ireland.