Names for Carrageenan That May Appear in Food and Other Products
Disclaimer
This list is not all-inclusive. Ingredient terminology varies by country, product type, and manufacturer. Always read current labels and contact manufacturers directly if ingredient sourcing is unclear. This article is educational only and not medical advice. Always consult your physician or allergist regarding personal triggers and safe food choices.
Reading Labels
When checking labels, carrageenan is usually listed plainly, but it can also appear under related names, source names, or technical descriptions. Here are some names to watch for:
Confirmed Common Terms
- Carrageenan
- Carrageenan gum
- Kappa carrageenan
- Iota carrageenan
- Lambda carrageenan
- Irish moss / Chondrus crispus
- E407 (European additive code for carrageenan)
- E407a (Processed Eucheuma Seaweed)
Common Label Names
- Carrageenan
- Carrageenin (older/less common spelling)
- Carrageenan gum
- Refined carrageenan
- Food-grade carrageenan
Important Note
Some labels simply say natural stabilizers, gums, or seaweed extract, which may require contacting the manufacturer for clarification.
Type-Specific Names
- Kappa carrageenan
- Iota carrageenan
- Lambda carrageenan
Seaweed Source Names Sometimes Used in Marketing or Ingredient Language
- Irish moss
- Irish moss extract
- Chondrus crispus
- Red seaweed extract
- Red algae extract
- Seaweed extract (can be broad and not always carrageenan)
- Eucheuma seaweed extract
- Eucheuma cottonii extract
- Kappaphycus alvarezii extract
Terms That May Require Manufacturer Clarification
These broader terms are not always carrageenan but may contain it depending on the product.
- Seaweed extract
- Natural stabilizers
- Hydrocolloid blend
- Thickener blend
Additive / Functional Ingredient Descriptions
- Thickener (carrageenan)
- Stabilizer (carrageenan)
- Gelling agent (carrageenan)
- Emulsifier blend containing carrageenan
- Hydrocolloid blend containing carrageenan
Where It May Be Hidden
This list is not all inclusive, and you may find carrageenan in other products.
Foods
- Dairy-free milks
- Creamers
- Ice cream
- Yogurt alternatives
- Deli meats
- Protein drinks
- Whipped toppings
- Sauces
- Puddings
Non-Food Products
- Toothpaste
- Liquid medications
- Supplements
- Cosmetics
- Lotions
- Air freshener gels
What Is Carrageenan?
If you are not familiar with carrageenan, you may want to visit my previous article, “What Is Carrageenan? Why Some People With Alpha-gal Syndrome May React to It“.
Sources
FDA, European Commission Food Additives Database, Codex Alimentarius, ScienceDirect, NCBI, Open Food Facts, Alpha-gal Information.