E-number  · E406

E406 — Agar (Agar-agar)

Gelling agent from red seaweed. Always vegan — the classic plant-based gelatin alternative.

The entry Reference notes, kept short.

What it is

E406 is agar, a polysaccharide extracted from red seaweeds (Gelidium, Gracilaria). The vegan answer to gelatin.

Why it matters

Gelling agent in vegan jellies, marshmallows, vegan cheeses, soups, ice cream. Also widely used in microbiology as culture-medium gel.

What to do

Always vegan.

Sources Where the entry is drawn from.
  • Vegan Society additives database