E-number  · E407

E407 — Carrageenan

Polysaccharide from red seaweed. Vegan but with separate health-debate footnote.

The entry Reference notes, kept short.

What it is

E407 is carrageenan, a family of polysaccharides extracted from red seaweed (Chondrus crispus and others).

Why it matters

Thickener and gelling agent. Common in plant milks (the controversial choice for stabilising emulsions), ice cream, processed meats, infant formula, toothpaste.

What to do

Always vegan. Some plant-milk brands now avoid carrageenan because of separate (non-vegan) concerns about inflammation in animal studies — but the additive itself is wholly plant-sourced.

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