All ingredientsMODERATE
E407
Carrageenan
Also known as Irish moss extract
A seaweed-derived thickener used in plant milks, ice cream and processed meats.
What it is
Extracted from red seaweed, carrageenan thickens and stabilises, keeping plant milks smooth and preventing separation.
Health concern
Food-grade carrageenan is approved, but 'degraded' forms and some animal studies link it to gut inflammation, prompting many brands to remove it.
The verdict
Contested — likely fine for most, but sensitive stomachs may prefer products without it.
Found in
2 analyzed products
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
Ben & Jerry's
Natural thickener from seaweed but some studies suggest potential digestive irritation in sensitive individuals.
45MODERATE
The Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss Original Spreadable Cheese Wedges
The Laughing Cow
It is approved by regulators, but it has been debated over possible gut inflammation in animal and lab studies. Evidence in humans is limited, but sensitive people may prefer to avoid it.
68MODERATE