What is Carrageenan?
Carrageenan is a natural extract from red seaweeds used in processed foods for stabilization, thickening, and gelation. Carrageenan has been successfully used by the food industry in the US since the 1950s, and with increasing demand driven by the consumers' need for convenience, appealing food textures, advances in food processing, and new food products. It is used worldwide to enhance ice creams, chocolate milk, custards, cheeses, jellies, confections, meats, and protein drinks. Carrageenan is an approved food additive.
 

Carrageenan is a natural extract from specific red seaweed species such as Kappaphycus alverezii (kappa carrageenan), Eucheuma denticulatum (iota carrageenan), Chondrus crispus (kappa & lambda carrageenans), and Sarcothalia crispata (kappa & lambda carrageenans). Pictured above is Eucheuma denticulatum.