carrageenan

noun

car·​ra·​geen·​an ˌker-ə-ˈgē-nən 

ˌka-rə-

variants or carrageenin

: a colloid extracted from various red algae (such as Irish moss) and used especially as a stabilizing or thickening agent

Examples of carrageenan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other potentially irritating ingredients include fermentable fibers like inulin and carrageenan, gums and thickeners like xanthan gum, and sugar alcohols that can produce gas as a byproduct and trigger stomach discomfort, Sharp says. —Sonya Collins, Fortune, 25 June 2025

Thickeners: Lower-fat cottage cheese is more likely to contain thickeners like carrageenan and guar gum, but these additives are also in some full-fat cottage cheeses. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 23 June 2025

The document, which appeared to be a draft, included a section on emulsifiers, such as xanthan gum and carrageenan. —David Hilzenrath, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025

Designed for kids aged six months to six years, the products are safe-to-swallow, carrageenan and fluoride-free and Leaping Bunny Certified. —Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025

This same principle allows ingredients like guar gum and carrageenan to help keep ice cream smooth in the freezer by preventing stray bits of liquid water from joining slow-growing ice crystals. —Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

Sea moss, often referred to as Irish moss or carrageenan moss, has quickly become a standout in the holistic health world due to its wide-ranging benefits for the body. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025

Some Contain Emulsifiers Some brands of almond milk contain carrageenan. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025

Some almond milk may contain carrageenan, a controversial additive that some claim is associated with digestive symptoms and inflammation. —Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

carrageen + -an entry 3 or -in entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for carrageenan

• catenin
• renin

Kids Definition

carrageenan

noun

car·​ra·​geen·​an

variants or carrageenin

ˌkar-ə-ˈgē-nən 

: a substance obtained from various red algae (as Irish moss) that is used in foods especially to stabilize and thicken them

Medical Definition

carrageenan

noun

car·​ra·​geen·​an

variants also carrageenin or carragheenan

ˌkar-ə-ˈgē-nən 

: a typically gel-forming polysaccharide extracted from various red algae (such as Irish moss) and used especially as a suspending agent (as in foods) and as a clarifying agent (as for beverages) and in controlling crystal growth in frozen confections