Is e407 vegan?

E407 is the European food additive code for carrageenan, a family of natural polysaccharides used as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent. It is extracted from several species of red edible seaweeds, often referred to as Irish moss. To produce E407, harvested seaweed is washed, cooked in an alkaline solution, filtered to remove solid residues, and dried or precipitated into a fine powder.

Food manufacturers use E407 in a wide variety of products to improve texture and prevent ingredient separation. Common items listing this additive include plant-based milks, dairy-free cheeses, vegan desserts, processed meats, and shelf-stable jams.

E407 is vegan because it is derived entirely from red algae. Its raw material is of plant origin, and the standard commercial extraction and purification methods do not involve any animal-derived ingredients or processing aids.