Digestoa
Additive · Thickener

Carrageenan (E407)

Carrageenan (E407) is a thickener that Digestoa flags as high risk. Common concerns include gut inflammation.

Digestoa riskHigh risk
TypeThickener
Found inPlant milks, ice cream, deli meats, infant formula and many dairy and dairy-free products.
ConcernsGut inflammation · Digestive issues (animal studies)

What is Carrageenan?

Carrageenan is a thickener and stabiliser extracted from red seaweed. Animal studies link the degraded form to gut inflammation and digestive issues.

Is Carrageenan bad for you?

Digestoa flags Carrageenan as high risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including gut inflammation, digestive issues (animal studies). How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

What foods contain Carrageenan?

Plant milks, ice cream, deli meats, infant formula and many dairy and dairy-free products..

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Carrageenan. But it's a useful flag: when you see E407 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Look for products thickened with locust bean gum (E410) or guar gum (E412), or a 'carrageenan-free' label.

Frequently asked questions

Is E407 the same as Carrageenan?
Yes — E407 is the international additive (E-number) code for Carrageenan.
Is Carrageenan bad for you?
Digestoa flags Carrageenan (E407) as high risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as gut inflammation.
What are the side effects of Carrageenan?
Reported concerns include: Gut inflammation; Digestive issues (animal studies).
What foods contain Carrageenan?
Plant milks, ice cream, deli meats, infant formula and many dairy and dairy-free products..
How can I avoid Carrageenan?
Check the ingredients list for "Carrageenan" or "E407", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related thickener additives

Locust bean gum (E410)Guar gum (E412)Xanthan gum (E415)Acacia gum (E414)Pectin (E440)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.