Propylene glycol alginate

What this is

Propylene glycol alginate is a food additive derived from brown seaweed (alginic acid) that’s been chemically modified with propylene glycol. It functions as a thickener and stabilizer in foods – especially in acidic products like soft drinks and salad dressings – and helps maintain texture or foam (for example, in beer foam). This ingredient appears in some fast-food items such as special sauces and dressings (e.g. McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce). U.S. and European regulators consider it safe at the small amounts used. No significant health risks have been confirmed from typical consumption levels.

Critical Endpoints

The key endpoints experts review in safety assessments (critical endpoints). This is not a prediction of harm.