Imitation and restructured foods
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Food grade ingredient · Water-soluble hydrocolloid · INS 401
Food Grade Sodium Alginate
Sodium alginate is the sodium salt of alginic acid, used as a thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent and structure-forming hydrocolloid in suitable foods.
- CAS / identity
- 9005-38-3
- INS number
- 401
- Form
- (C6H7NaO6)n (JECFA repeating unit)
- MOQ
- 500 kg
Share the intended food, target limits, test methods, quantity and destination.
Quality documentsKosher, Halal and ISO
Standard packing25 kg bag; paper bag or customer requirement
Container loading18 MT without pallets; 15 MT with pallets / 20GP
Batch evidenceCurrent specification and COA on request
Direct product answer
What is food grade Sodium Alginate?
Food grade sodium alginate is a water-soluble alginate hydrocolloid identified by FAO/JECFA as INS 401 and CAS 9005-38-3. Grade selection depends strongly on viscosity, mesh and gel strength.
Commercial suitability depends on the exact grade, source, test method, application and destination-market rules. The current signed specification and batch COA govern a transaction.
Application screening
Common food grade Sodium Alginate applications
These are formulation areas, not universal approvals. Confirm legal use, dosage and technical performance for the finished product.
Pasta and fillings
Evaluate water management, process tolerance and texture after cooking or heating.
Beverages and jams
Select viscosity and purity for suspension, body and stabilization targets.
Meat and pet food
Qualify binding, molding and gel behavior in the complete formulation.
Supplied technical data
Food grade Sodium Alginate reference specification
The table reproduces the supplied sheet for procurement screening. It is not a batch COA or a statement of universal regulatory limits.
| Test item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White powder |
| Viscosity | 50–1,200 mPa·s or customer requirement |
| Mesh size | 40–200 mesh or customer requirement |
| Gel strength | 500–1,000 g/cm² or customer requirement |
| pH | 6–8 |
| Loss on drying, 105°C / 4 h | ≤15.0% |
| Ash | 18.0–27.0% |
| Heavy metals, as Pb | ≤20 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤5 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤3 ppm |
| Total bacterial count | ≤1,000 CFU/g |
| Mold and yeast | ≤100 CFU/g |
| E. coli | Not detected in 25 g |
| Salmonella | Not detected in 25 g |
Specification and identity note: The attachment states C6H9O7Na as the formula. FAO/JECFA describes sodium alginate as a polymer and gives (C6H7NaO6)n as the repeating formula. Confirm viscosity method, solution concentration, temperature, spindle and shear conditions before comparing suppliers.
Qualification support
Documents and evidence to request
Product documents
Request the current signed specification or TDS, SDS, test methods and representative or batch COA.
Food qualification
Verify Kosher, Halal and ISO documents for the exact grade, source and manufacturing site.
Independent identity reference
Review the FAO/JECFA sodium alginate specification and apply destination-market rules separately.
Storage and handling
Protect Sodium Alginate in storage
- EnvironmentStore sealed in a cool, dry and ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat; the attachment advises below 30°C.
- MoistureProtect bags from rain, humidity, caking and contamination.
- ControlsKeep packaging intact and follow the current SDS and site hygiene procedures.
Buyer questions
Food grade Sodium Alginate FAQ
What is food grade Sodium Alginate used for?
Imitation and restructured foods, Pasta and fillings, Beverages and jams, Meat and pet food are common formulation areas. Legal use, dosage and performance must be confirmed for the exact finished food and destination market.
What are the packing and minimum order quantity for Sodium Alginate?
The supplied packing is 25 kg bag; paper bag or customer requirement. The reference minimum order quantity is 500 kg.
Which documents should a buyer request for Sodium Alginate?
Request the current signed specification or TDS, SDS, representative or batch COA, test methods and applicable food-quality certificates for the exact manufacturing site and grade.
What should be included in a Sodium Alginate RFQ?
Provide the intended food application, target specification, test methods, quantity, packing, destination, pallet preference and required delivery date.
Last reviewed 2026-07-20 by Bespring Chemical technical and export team.
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Specification-led sourcing
Request a Sodium Alginate quote
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