What is carrageenan made from?
Published Time:
2025-03-04
Carrageenan is a hydrophilic colloid extracted from red algae, mainly composed of calcium, potassium, sodium, and ammonium salts of galactose and its dehydrated derivatives.
Carrageenan is a hydrophilic colloid extracted from red algae. Its main components are calcium, potassium, sodium, and ammonium salts of polysaccharide sulfates composed of galactose and dehydrated galactose. These components give carrageenan excellent gelling, thickening, and emulsifying properties, leading to its wide use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Sources of Carrageenan
Red Algae: Carrageenan is extracted from red seaweeds such as Eucheuma, Gracilaria, and Chondrus crispus.
Chemical Composition: Its chemical structure is mainly composed of galactose and dehydrated galactose, forming calcium, potassium, sodium, and ammonium salts of polysaccharide sulfates.
Carrageenan Extraction Methods
Extraction Process: After washing and drying the seaweed, it is placed in an extraction pot, water or alkali is added, heated with steam, filtered, precipitated with alcohol solvents, and finally dried and pulverized to obtain the product.
Additives: During rotary drying, mono- and diglycerides or polysorbates are added as release agents.
Applications of Carrageenan
Food Industry: Commonly used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer to improve the viscosity and texture of food.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Used as a coating agent and stabilizer for capsules to prolong drug release time.
Cosmetics: Used for thickening and stabilization in lotions, masks, shampoos, and other products.
Liquid Masks: In recent years, carrageenan has been used in the production of liquid masks due to its antiviral properties, providing a physical barrier effect.
Summary: Carrageenan is a natural and safe ingredient. Its raw materials and extraction methods give it wide application value in many fields.
Latest News
Share to
Follow us
Yancheng Dafeng Huixiang Food Technology Co., Ltd.
Tel: 86-515-83312175
Contact Person: Mr. Chen
Mobile: 86-13851002828
Address: No. 86, Yu Dong Road, Da Zhong Town, Dafeng District, Yancheng City
- Website -