Carrageenan, a multifunctional ingredient extracted from red algae that are harvested in the sea, is commonly used as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer in food categories, like meat, jellies, ice creams, and puddings. Generally, it is safe, natural, vegan, halal, kosher and gluten-free. Carrageenan is located in the cell wall and intercellular matrix of the seaweed plant tissue. It is a family of linear sulfated polysaccharides present in certain species of red seaweed. It is made of repeating units of sulfated D-galactose and 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose.

Generally, With the advantage of being naturally derived, compatible with other food ingredients, easy to use, and economical, carrageenan has been used in a lot of food applications, such as in meat, dessert, candy, chocolate milk, beer, ice cream, pet food, and so on. 

In meat products, carrageenan can be found in ham, sausages, corned beef, and luncheon meat. In jellies and puddings, carrageenan can also be commonly found. With the function of providing desirable elasticity of chewy candies and minimal syneresis, carrageenan is widely used in gummy candies. In beverages like chocolate milk, carrageenan is used to keep the cocoa and milk in suspension by interacting with milk proteins, helping with excellent mouthfeel. Being an experienced solutions supplier and exporter for food and beverages manufacturers, Tianjiachem welcome any inquiries from all over the world. Please feel free to contact us.