Sunday, April 5, 2009

What is carrageenan?


Search
: carrageenan

Why: It's Kateloh's favorite vegetarian additive.

Answer: Carrageenan comes from algae, and can be used as a thickening agent in place of animal-based products like gelatin, which is extracted from animal bones. Carrageenan is a common ingredient in many foods. It is used in yogurt and in the preparation of some wine and beers. It makes peanut butter more spreadable. Tom's of Maine uses it to make toothpaste and deodorant.

Source: Wise Geek

The More You Know: This Make Your Own Gummies Kit includes "the story of carrageenan." It gets 5 out of 5 stars for naturalness.