carragenan
Carragenan, also spelled carrageenan, is a family of linear sulfated polysaccharides derived mainly from red seaweeds (Rhodophyta), including species such as Chondrus and Eucheuma. It is used as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent in a wide range of products, from foods and beverages to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Commercial carrageenans are typically sold as kappa-, iota-, or lambda-carrageenan. Kappa forms rigid gels in the
Production involves extracting the polysaccharide from seaweed with hot alkaline treatment, followed by purification and drying.
Applications are widespread in the food industry, where carrageenan improves mouthfeel, stabilizes dairy emulsions (such as
Safety and regulation: Food-grade carrageenan is generally considered safe at approved usage levels by major regulatory