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.
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 Macrocystisspecies | 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. |
- BioAtlantis provides sustainable technologies from the sea to enhance plant, animal and human health.
- Connemara Organic Seaweed Company provide hand harvested, sustainable, kelp and seaweed products for human consumption through health supplements and edible products.
- Emerald Isle Organic Irish Seaweed. A family business producing seaweed as supplements, cooking, gardening and bath products.
- Irish Seaweeds Ltd are suppliers of 100% natural hand-harvested seaweeds and edible sea vegetable products from Ireland.