Carrageen
What is Carrageen?
Carrageenan is a food additive derived from red seaweed. It is extracted from the seaweed using an alkali process, resulting in a powder that is then used in food production.
Is Carrageen vegan?
Carrageen is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Carrageen gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Carrageen a major allergen?
Carrageenan is derived from seaweed and is not one of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA.
What is Carrageen used for?
Carrageenan is primarily used as a thickener and stabilizer in foods.
Is Carrageen safe?
In the U.S., carrageenan is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.
Why it's used
Carrageenan is primarily used as a thickener and stabilizer in foods. It helps to give products a desirable texture and prevent ingredients from separating. It is commonly found in dairy products like ice cream and yogurt, as well as plant-based milk alternatives.
Health notes
In the U.S., carrageenan is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated carrageenan. Some studies have suggested potential negative health effects, particularly concerning inflammation and digestive issues, but other research has not found these effects at typical consumption levels. The scientific consensus is still evolving.
Allergen info
Carrageenan is derived from seaweed and is not one of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Carrageen
Compare products →
Learn more
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.