Yes — Halal

INS 404

thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers

Calcium Alginate

Also known as: Calcium Alginate E404 (EU/UK)

Status

Halal

Function

Thickener and gelling agent

Halal

Is INS 404 (Calcium Alginate) halal?

Generally accepted as halal. Typically derived from plant or synthetic sources with no prohibited ingredients.

What to do

Safe to buy. This additive is permissible under Islamic dietary law.

See which foods use it →

Where is INS 404 used?

INS (International Numbering System) codes are maintained by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and used on food labels in many countries outside the EU. You will commonly see INS 404 on packaging from:

AustraliaNew ZealandMalaysiaSingaporeIndonesiaIndiaSaudi ArabiaUAEGCC countries

In the EU and UK, the same additive appears as E404. The ingredient, halal status, and sourcing considerations are identical — only the labelling system differs.

EU / UK equivalent: E404

INS 404 and E404 refer to the same food additive — Calcium Alginate. If you are checking a product purchased in the UK or Europe, look for E404 on the label instead.

See full E404 halal guide →

About INS 404

Emulsifiers and stabilizers - alginates

Sources / Derived From

brown seaweed (plant/algae)

Foods that commonly contain INS 404

restructured meat productsdairy dessertssome yogurts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is INS 404 (Calcium Alginate) halal?

INS 404 (Calcium Alginate) is classified as Halal. Generally accepted as halal. Typically derived from plant or synthetic sources with no prohibited ingredients.

What is INS 404 used for?

INS 404 is used as a thickener and gelling agent in food products.

What is the difference between INS 404 and E404?

INS 404 and E404 are the same additive — Calcium Alginate. INS numbers are used on food labels in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and GCC countries. The E-number system (E404) is used in EU and UK markets. The halal status is identical regardless of which label system is used.

What foods contain INS 404?

INS 404 (Calcium Alginate) is commonly found in: restructured meat products, dairy desserts, some yogurts.

What is INS 404 made from?

INS 404 can be derived from: brown seaweed (plant/algae).

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