What it does
It can help a liquid feel thicker or help a mixture keep a consistent texture. The exact reason depends on the recipe and food category.
Names you may see on the label
carrageenan; E407; E 407
Where it showed up in our published study
In the published 10 October 2026 snapshot, carrageenan appeared in protein shakes and drinks (6), protein yoghurts, pots and puddings (4), and protein bars and snacks (3).
Counts are per record and do not measure Irish sales or the whole market.
FoodSussed processing Level
FoodSussed can read carrageenan as a thickener or stabiliser marker. The whole list still decides the estimated Level.
Health and safety disclaimer
This page makes no health or safety verdict. EU authorisation is conditional by food category and may include limits or other restrictions; it is not unlimited permission in every food.
One permitted-use example
One current EU category lists carrageenan for milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children, with category-specific conditions.
The E407 example links to an official EUR-Lex permitted-use source checked 24 October 2026. The European Commission food-additives database was checked on the same date for carrageenan.
Questions people ask
How can I recognise carrageenan on a food label?
Carrageenan may be declared as carrageenan; E407; E 407, including the number E407.
Where did carrageenan appear in the published study?
The largest published product-type group for carrageenan was protein shakes and drinks (6 of 13 matched records).
Sources
- European Commission food-additives database (checked 24 October 2026)
- EU permitted-use source for the example above (checked 24 October 2026)
- Published 10 October study JSON used for the carrageenan product-type counts