Comparing E407 - Carrageenan vs E440A - Pectin

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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.

E440A - Pectin

Pectin (E440a) is a plant-based gelling fiber extracted mainly from citrus peels and apple pomace. It helps jams set, keeps fruit preparations stable, and gives beverages and dairy a smooth, consistent texture. Regulators in the U.S. and EU allow pectin in many foods when used according to good manufacturing practice.

Synonyms

E407

Carrageenan

e407 stabilizer

E440a

Pectin

Functions

gelling agent stabilizer thickener

Origins

Plant

Products

Found in 18,822 products

Found in 1 products

Search rank & volume

#3972.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#5656K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.56

under-aware

×1364.98

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 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

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.