Alginates are used in the food industry primarily as thickening and stabilizing agents.
On food labels, you will primarily see alginates in ice creams, custards, ices, chocolate milk, cheeses, cheese spreads, salad dressings, jams, jellies, confections, baked goods, toppings, and beverages.
All of the alignates are on the GRAS list and were reapproved in 1980.