Sodium alginate is widely used in the food industry as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent. It is commonly found in products like ice cream, yogurt, salad dressings, and dairy products to improve texture and prevent separation. In molecular gastronomy, it is used to create unique culinary textures, such as spherification, where liquid ingredients are transformed into gel-like spheres.

In the pharmaceutical industry, sodium alginate is utilized in wound dressings, drug delivery systems, tablet formation, and coatings due to its biocompatibility and ability to form gels. It helps in maintaining a moist environment for wound healing and controls the release of active ingredients in medications.

Additionally, it is employed in the textile industry for printing and dyeing fabrics, providing a smooth and consistent application of dyes as a thickener in print pastes. Sodium alginate also finds use in cosmetics, where it acts as a thickening agent in lotions, creams, and masks, enhancing their consistency and stability. In the paper industry, it serves as an additive for forming and strengthening paper, improving sizing and retention.