E406 Agar-Agar

E406Thickeners & gumsOrigin: Plant

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Made from seaweed; the classic vegan replacement for gelatin.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Nearly pure fiber.

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Agar-agar (E406) is a seaweed gel that sets firmer than gelatin. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free, keto and kosher, and is the easiest plant swap for gelatin.

95/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE406

Comes fromPlant

What it doesThickeners & gums

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledAgar, Kanten

Make gelatin-free desserts at home

For your pantry

Food-grade pouch

Organic agar-agar powder

Powder dissolves faster than flakes.

Shop agar powder Opens your country’s Amazon store

Precision tool

0.01 g digital micro scale

A gram too much makes jelly rubbery.

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Ready-made

Vegan gummy bears

Set with agar or pectin instead of gelatin.

Shop vegan gummies Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere with no daily limit.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Agar is a fiber from red seaweed. Unlike gelatin, it sets at room temperature and stays firm even in warm weather.

Where it comes from: Boiled out of red seaweed (Gelidium and Gracilaria), then set, dried and flaked or powdered.

Why it’s in food

Sets jellies and gummies
Firms up vegan cheese and panna cotta
Stabilizes frosting and glazes

Often found in

Vegan gummiesJelly dessertsVegan cheeseAsian sweets (yokan)

Also listed as: Agar, Kanten, Japanese gelatin, Vegetable gelatin

Health & gut impact

DigestionBenefit

A soluble fiber that may help regularity.

EFSA Journal 14(5):4645 (2016)

SwallowingConcern

Always dissolve fully; dry agar swells.

EFSA (2016)

What can I use instead?

Gelatin

Ratio: 1 tsp agar ≈ 3 tsp gelatin

Best for: Non-vegan desserts

Pectin

Ratio: To taste

Best for: Jams

Carrageenan vs Agar-Agar Gelatin vs Agar-Agar

More thickeners & gums:

Carrageenan E407Carrageenan (E407) is a seaweed thickener in plant milks and deli meats. It's approved, but some studies link it to gut inflammation, so people with IBD often avoid it.Use in moderation Cellulose Gum (CMC) E466Cellulose gum (E466, CMC) is a thickener made from wood or cotton fiber. It's approved everywhere and fine for most diets, but studies in mice and a small human trial suggest it can disturb gut bacteria.Use in moderation GelatinGelatin is made from pig, cow or fish parts, so it is never vegan. It's only halal or kosher when certified, because most unlabeled gelatin comes from pork.Generally safe Guar Gum E412Guar gum (E412) is a bean-based thickener. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly, and works best in cold foods like ice cream.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Agar-Agar safe?

Generally safe (95/100). Approved everywhere with no daily limit.

Is Agar-Agar vegan?

Yes. Made from seaweed; the classic vegan replacement for gelatin.

Is Agar-Agar gluten-free?

Yes.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 184.1115 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E406
EFSA Journal 14(5):4645 (2016)
EFSA (2016)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 406 · CAS 9002-18-0