Comparing E407 - Carrageenan vs E464 - Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 18,822 products
Found in 741 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 7 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.
Is hypromellose safe?
Yes—regulators (EFSA/JECFA/FDA) consider hypromellose (E464) safe at approved use levels; JECFA set an ADI “not specified,” and EFSA found no safety concern at reported uses. Very high intakes may cause mild gastrointestinal effects.
What is hypromellose capsule?
A hypromellose capsule is a hard, two-piece capsule shell made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose instead of gelatin, used to hold medicines or supplements and often marketed as a vegetarian/vegan option.
What is hypromellose made from?
It’s made by chemically modifying plant-derived cellulose (typically wood pulp or cotton linters) with methyl and hydroxypropyl groups.
Is hypromellose vegan?
Yes—it's derived from plant cellulose and contains no animal ingredients, so it’s generally considered vegan/vegetarian.
Is hypromellose gluten free?
Yes—hypromellose (E464) is gluten‑free; people with celiac disease can consume it, though you should check the overall product for other gluten-containing ingredients.