carrageenan

American  

[kar-uh-gee-nuhn] / ˌkær əˈgi nən /

Or carrageenin

noun

1. a colloidal substance extracted from seaweed, chiefly used as an emulsifying and stabilizing ingredient in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

---

carrageenan British  

/ ˌkærəˈɡiːnən /

noun

1. a carbohydrate extracted from carrageen, used to make a beverage, medicine, and jelly, and as an emulsifying and gelling agent ( E407 ) in various processed desserts and drinks

---

carrageenan Scientific  

/ kăr′ə-gē′nən /

1. A gelatinous material derived from Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) and other species of red algae. It is widely used as a thickening, stabilizing, emulsifying, or suspending agent in industrial, pharmaceutical, and food products.

---

Etymology

Origin of carrageenan

carrageen + -an suffix of chemical compounds, here synonymous with -in ²

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

carrageenan

At the time, Costco explained in a statement that it uses sodium phosphate and carrageenan “to support moisture retention, texture, and product consistency during cooking,” adding that both preservatives are “approved by food safety authorities.”

From Salon ● Jun. 17, 2026

Sodium phosphate is used to preserve moisture and enhance flavor in processed foods, while carrageenan is added to thicken and stabilize products like meats.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 28, 2026

The researchers emphasize the importance of further investigations into the effects of carrageenan on the human body.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 27, 2024

Another difference: Plant milk creamers may have added vegetable oils and emulsifiers, such as guar gum and carrageenan.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 27, 2023

Food manufacturers harvest it for its carrageenan, an ingredient that acts as a thickening agent for foods like ice cream, chocolate milk and creamers.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 31, 2023

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---