Carrageenan Gum

Carrageenan gum is a common food additive that is extracted from red seaweed. It has been widely used in the food industry for many years as a thickener, emulsifier, and gelling agent. Carrageenan is classified into three types: Kappa, Iota, and Lambda. The kappa type forms strong gels in the presence of Potassium ions and reacts well with dairy proteins. The Iota type forms soft gels in the presence of Calcium ions, while the Lambda type does not form gels and is used for thickening dairy products. The kappa form is widely used in the food industry. Its gelling power allows it to be used as an alternative to Gelatin in food products. Also, it can reduce cholesterol. this additive acts as a texture improver in bread and improves the volume of bread due to its reaction with Gluten. It is used in food products such as ice cream, chocolate milk drinks, pudding, jelly, salad dressings, processed meats, etc.

Due to its antioxidant, anti-aging, and gelling properties can be used in the cosmetic and detergent industries, using in products such as toothpaste, skin lotions, shaving foams, etc. Carrageenan is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it may cause inflammation and digestive problems in some individuals. Also, there are two methods of extraction for this gum which are: refined and semi-refined. The semi-refined method produces a matte gel containing higher levels of cellulose and fiber with lower purity compared to the refined form. Therefore, if you need a clear gel, the refined method would be more suitable. Contact us for more information about this additive.