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Carrageenan is a food additive that is unknown to many. However, for those who check out health and social blogs, carrageenan is healthy  and the chances are high that they have stumbled upon articles on the additive. It is also known as Irish moss, and it is a popular ingredient that is derived from seaweed. Most food labels have the Irish moss as one of their ingredients, but it is rarely mentioned in the nutritional facts. This is because the additive does not contain calories, fats, cholesterol and even sodium. However, it is known for making some foods more nutritious. For instance, low-fat diets and low sugar foods that have carrageenan taste as good as the counterparts that have full fats and sugars. This is how the additive is used in foods.

It is Used as a Thickener

Just like flour and starch, carrageenan can be used as a thickener in various foods. It is used to thicken soups, pudding, sauces, and gravy among others. Some people do not like foods that are not thick. Therefore, if you are one of them, get the additive, and you will not regret your decision.

It is used to Prevent Foods from Separating

The additive is essential in stabilizing foods and therefore and this ultimately aids in preventing them from separating. For instance, almond milk is a great example. Without carrageenan, the liquid would most probably have a layer of gritty sediment at the bottom. In addition to this, for those who love chocolate milk, the chocolate would settle at the bottom of the bottle thus preventing individuals from tasting the chocolate flavor. Carrageenan, however, keeps the foods together, and that is why it is a common ingredient.

It Makes Foods Creamy

Many people often wonder what makes yogurt or even ice cream creamy. Carrageenan is the active ingredient behind this science. These foods would not be appealing without their creamy nature.

Prevents Food Spoilage and Suspends nutrients

With the rising costs in standards of living, the last thing you want is your food getting bad at a rapid rate. Food spoilage is the process by which food deteriorates to a point where it is no longer edible. Carrageenan is used as a preservative, and it, therefore, aids in reducing the rate at which the food deteriorates, and this, thus, reduces food wastage. Moreover, it is useful in suspending the nutrients in the baby formula.