Comparison
Carrageenan vs Agar-Agar
The short answer
Agar-agar is the cleaner choice with no health questions. Carrageenan gives a softer, creamier texture in dairy, but has unresolved questions about gut inflammation.| Side by side | Carrageenan | Agar-Agar |
|---|---|---|
| Safety score | 58/100 Use in moderation | 95/100 Generally safe |
| Source | Red seaweed | Red seaweed |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Firm, brittle |
| Best for | Dairy & plant milks | Jellies & gummies |
| Gut health questions | Yes | No ✓ Better |
| Safety score | 58 | 95 ✓ Better |
Swapping one for the other
Agar sets much firmer, so use about a third of the amount when replacing carrageenan in desserts.
Common questions
Are they both vegan?
Yes. Both come from seaweed.