Authority source
Safety basis: FDA / EFSA / JECFA
FDA assessment, EFSA opinion, JECFA evaluation
Carrageenan
Irish moss extractE407
Thickener
Carrageenan is a natural ingredient taken from red seaweed. It helps make foods and products thicker and smoother.
What it is
Carrageenan is a carbohydrate extracted from red seaweed, primarily used to thicken, stabilize, and emulsify products.
Found in
dairy products (yogurt, ice cream), plant-based milks, processed meats, desserts, pet food, toothpaste, cosmetics
The concern
Some concerns exist regarding potential inflammation or digestive issues, particularly with degraded forms or in sensitive individuals, though food-grade carrageenan is generally considered safe by major regulators.
Legal status
Food-grade carrageenan is approved for use as a food additive by the FDA in the US and by EFSA in the EU, with specific purity standards to distinguish it from degraded carrageenan (poligeenan), which is not permitted.
Context-dependent
The safety of carrageenan is context-dependent, with regulatory bodies generally considering food-grade carrageenan safe for consumption, while degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) is not permitted.
Evidence & sources
Article / explainer
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Video explainer
What is Carrageenan? From Bobby Parrish and Thomas DeLauer
Video
Ambient Harmonics
Watch videoCommunity questions
Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
Related ingredient guides
Compare this ingredient with related ingredients and common alternatives.
Guar Gum
Another thickener in the reviewed ingredient set.
Xanthan Gum
Another thickener in the reviewed ingredient set.
Monosodium Glutamate
Another food additive commonly checked in ingredient-list reviews.
Red 40
Another food additive commonly checked in ingredient-list reviews.
Yellow 5
Another food additive commonly checked in ingredient-list reviews.
Blue 1
Another food additive commonly checked in ingredient-list reviews.
Last updated: August 4, 2026