Carragenan

Carrageenan is a food additive made from red seaweed. It is extracted from the seaweed using an alkali process, then dried and ground into a powder.

Carrageenan is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many foods. It helps prevent ingredients from separating and gives products a smooth texture. It is commonly found in dairy products like ice cream and yogurt, as well as in processed meats and plant-based milk alternatives.

In the U.S., carrageenan is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Some studies have raised concerns about potential digestive issues or inflammation, but these are often based on high doses or degraded forms of carrageenan not typically found in food. Both the WHO's JECFA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated carrageenan, and regulatory bodies generally consider it safe at levels used in food.