Alginic acid (E400) – what is it?
Alginic acid, also known as E400, is a natural polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed. It is an important component of seaweed and is widely used in food and other industries due to its unique properties. It is a substance that is safe for health and approved for use as a food additive by health organizations around the world.
It is characterized by its ability to form gels, emulsions and stabilize products, making it an indispensable ingredient in many manufacturing processes. Due to its polymeric structure, alginic acid can bind water, which contributes to improving the texture and consistency of many food products.
Properties of alginic acid
Alginic acid exhibits a number of properties that make it valuable to the food industry and beyond. Among the main ones are its ability to form gels, stabilize emulsions, improve the texture of products and its ability to bind water. It is also used as a thickening, emulsifying and stabilizing agent.
Applications of alginic acid
It is widely used in food production, including beverages, dairy products, ice cream, sauces, and in confectionery and bakery products. In addition, it is used in the pharmaceutical industry for tablets, as a thickening agent in cosmetics, and in textile and paper production.
Where to buy alginic acid?
Alginic acid is available in health food stores, specialty food supplement stores and through numerous online platforms. It is available in various forms, including as a powder or in solution form, making it easy to use as needed.
Alginic acid and its functions in food
In the food industry, alginic acid serves many functions. As a thickening and stabilizing agent, it improves the texture of dairy products, ice cream and sauces. It also acts as an emulsifier, making it easier to combine ingredients that would not normally combine, such as oil and water. Its ability to form gels is used in the production of jellies, desserts and in vegetarian products as a substitute for gelatin.
