Sodium Alginate is a natural polysaccharide derived from seaweed that forms a gel-like substance when combined with calcium ions. It is commonly used in non-consumable applications such as textile printing, paper production, and pharmaceutical formulations as a thickening, stabilizing, and gelling agent. Its applications include textile printing pastes, paper coatings.  Sodium Alginate, E401, is the main form of alginates used in food that can function as a thickener, stabilizer and gelling agent. This ingredient is commonly used to produce heat-stable gels and to impart viscosity in food.