Comparing E401 - sodium alginate vs E511 - Magnesium chloride
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 3,526 products
Found in 13 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
How to make popping boba without sodium alginate?
True popping boba relies on sodium alginate/calcium spherification; without it, you can make similar beads using agar or gelatin (e.g., drip 0.8–1% agar-juice into very cold oil), but they won’t have a liquid center. Some use low‑methoxyl pectin with calcium to create thin skins, but results are less consistent than with alginate.
Is sodium alginate bad for you?
No—food‑grade sodium alginate is widely approved (e.g., FDA GRAS, EFSA) and is considered safe at typical food levels because it’s poorly absorbed. Large supplemental amounts may cause gas or affect mineral absorption in some people, and those on strict low‑sodium plans should check labels.
What is sodium alginate used for?
It’s a seaweed‑derived thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent that forms gels with calcium—used for spherification, suspending particles in beverages, and improving texture in sauces, dairy, and desserts. It’s also used in some reflux products to form a protective “raft.”
How to use sodium alginate for reflux?
Alginate reflux remedies combine alginate with antacids to form a foamy “raft” on stomach contents; use an approved OTC product and follow its label (typically after meals and at bedtime). DIY use of food‑grade sodium alginate for reflux isn’t recommended—ask a pharmacist or clinician for suitable products.
How to make sodium alginate?
Commercial sodium alginate is produced from brown seaweeds via alkaline extraction of alginic acid, filtration, precipitation, conversion to the sodium salt, then drying and milling. It isn’t practical to make food‑grade sodium alginate at home; purchase certified food‑grade material instead.
Is magnesium chloride good for you?
In foods, E511 simply provides magnesium—an essential mineral—and is considered safe at typical levels; it doesn’t confer special benefits beyond helping meet magnesium needs. Very high supplemental intakes can cause diarrhea and are risky for people with kidney problems.
What is magnesium chloride good for?
As a food additive (E511), it’s used as a coagulant (notably for tofu/nigari), a stabiliser/firming agent, and a source of magnesium for fortifying foods; it can also adjust water hardness in brewing.
Is magnesium chloride safe for pets?
Ingesting small amounts may cause mild stomach upset, but de-icing products containing magnesium chloride can irritate paws and cause vomiting/diarrhea if licked; large doses can disturb electrolytes—rinse paws and contact a vet if significant ingestion occurs.
What is magnesium chloride used for?
In foods, E511 is used to coagulate soy milk into tofu, stabilize/firm certain processed foods, and supply magnesium for fortification; outside food, it’s also used in de-icing and pharmaceuticals.
Is magnesium chloride safe for concrete?
No—magnesium chloride de-icer can chemically degrade concrete over time (and promote rebar corrosion), especially on new or poorly sealed surfaces; alternatives are preferred for long-term concrete durability.