Carrageenan

Carrageenan, a food-grade additive sourced from specific varieties of red seaweed, is widely utilized in the food industry for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties, with a notable presence in dairy and plant-based products. As a natural hydrocolloid, carrageenan undergoes meticulous processing to adhere to food-grade standards, ensuring its safety and effectiveness. It finds frequent application in items like ice cream, yogurt, and plant-based milk substitutes to enrich texture, prevent ingredient separation, and achieve a pleasingly smooth consistency. Despite its prevalent use, carrageenan has sparked occasional discussions regarding its safety, particularly in various forms like degraded carrageenan, which have been scrutinized for potential health effects. Ongoing research prompts the food industry to remain vigilant to consumer apprehensions, exploring alternative stabilizers while employing carrageenan within established safety parameters.