Comparing E407 - Carrageenan vs E451 - Triphosphates

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Overview

E407 - Carrageenan

Carrageenan (E407) is a gelling and thickening ingredient made from red seaweed. It helps foods feel creamy, stay mixed, and hold shape without adding much fat or sugar. You will find it in dairy and dairy‑free drinks, desserts, processed meats, and many other everyday products.

E451 - Triphosphates

Triphosphates (E451) are salts of condensed phosphates used to keep foods moist, stable, and evenly mixed. They are common in processed meats and seafood, where they help bind water, protect texture, and prevent off-flavors from metal ions. Approval and use levels vary by country, but they are widely permitted for specific uses.

Synonyms

E407

Carrageenan

e407 stabilizer

E451

Triphosphates

triphosphate

E 451

e-451

Functions

gelling agent stabilizer thickener

emulsifying salt sequestrant stabilizer

Origins

Plant

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 18,822 products

Found in 169 products

Search rank & volume

#3972.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#2841.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.56

under-aware

×0.91

normal

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Is carrageenan bad for you?
For most people, food‑grade carrageenan (E407) is considered safe at typical food levels by regulators like EFSA and the FDA; a small number may experience digestive discomfort. Concerns often stem from studies using degraded carrageenan (poligeenan), which is not used in foods.
Carrageenan what is it?
Carrageenan (E407) is a family of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from red seaweeds, used as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent in foods.
Does carrageenan cause cancer?
There is no convincing evidence that food‑grade carrageenan causes cancer; studies suggesting risks typically used degraded carrageenan (poligeenan), which is not permitted in foods. Authorities such as EFSA and JECFA consider E407 safe at current use levels.
What is carrageenan used for?
It thickens and stabilizes foods, helping suspend particles and improve texture in products like chocolate milk, dairy and plant‑based milks, ice cream, yogurt, desserts, and processed meats.
Is carrageenan bad for dogs?
Food‑grade carrageenan is permitted in pet foods as a stabilizer and is generally regarded as safe at typical levels, though some dogs with sensitive digestion may not tolerate it well. If your dog shows GI upset, choose carrageenan‑free products and consult your veterinarian.