Carrangeenan

Carrageenan is a food additive made from red seaweed. It is extracted from the seaweed using an alkaline process and then dried and ground into a powder. It is a common ingredient used to thicken and stabilize foods.

Manufacturers add carrageenan to foods to thicken them, create a gel-like texture, and keep ingredients from separating. It is often found in dairy products like ice cream, yogurt, and creamers, as well as in processed meats and desserts.

In the U.S., carrageenan is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Some studies have raised questions about its safety, particularly regarding potential inflammation and digestive issues, but these findings are often based on high doses or specific forms of carrageenan not typically found in food. Major international bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated carrageenan and have not set numeric limits for its use. The scientific evidence on its health effects at typical consumption levels is mixed, and more research is ongoing.