Carrageenan

Also known as: E407, Irish moss extract

Moderate concernunder our published method

By NordicScan Evidence Engine · generated from structured evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.

What it is

Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived thickener and stabiliser used in dairy alternatives, desserts, sauces and processed meats.

Why people ask

It is searched because shoppers see it in plant milks and ask how a permitted thickener should appear in scoring.

What our method flags — by use

Food · US

In US food, our method rates carrageenan as moderate-concern: it is a permitted additive with a narrow technical-use evidence cell, not a broader outcome claim.

The US lists carrageenan under 21 CFR 172.620 as a food additive used under prescribed conditions.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
eCFR / US FDA	The US lists carrageenan under 21 CFR 172.620 as a food additive used under prescribed conditions.	authority_regulatory	2026-07-06	source
eCFR / US FDA	Carrageenan is listed by FDA under 21 CFR 172.620 as a food additive subject to prescribed conditions.	authority_regulatory / --	2026-07-06	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Fair (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

How this moves a product’s score

On a product score, carrageenan contributes a moderate concern signal from its additive status and shopper demand; this row is not escalated beyond the cited regulatory cell.

Nordic Scan provides ingredient information and a concern score under our published method, for general consumer research. It is not medical advice and not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or determine the safety of any product. Decide for yourself.

Common questions

Is degraded carrageenan being treated the same as food carrageenan?: No. This page is scoped to food-grade carrageenan as labelled in foods and cites the FDA food-additive listing.

This is what Carrageenan is. What’s in the products you buy? Scan a label and see the concern signals our method flags. Get the app.

Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · Sources checked 2026-07-08 · See how we score.