Seaweed has long been used as in the production of food in Asian countries – and for good reason; seaweed is dense in vital vitamins and nutrients. No wonder why it is a staple in many Asian dishes, such as sushi.
Many other countries are starting to take note of the benefits that seaweed provides and are now using it in food production in a multitude of ways!
Here’s a look at some of the ways that seaweed is used in food production (you might be surprised to learn that many of the products you are already using actually contain this humble plant.)
The Use of Seaweed in Food Manufacturing
Food Binding
Seaweed contains carrageenan, a compound that has powerful binding capabilities. It is extracted from red algae and is used in several different food products, including chocolate, baby food, and even toothpaste!
Thick and Creamy
Seaweed is also commonly used to add thickness and creaminess to foods. Brown algae contains alginate, a compound that has the ability to make food thicker and creamier. This compound is extracted from brown algae and is used in various food products, such as ice cream, salad dressings, and even over the counter medications for heartburn relief!
Gel it Up
If you have every had an encounter with seaweed while you swimming in a natural body of water, there’s no doubt that you noticed its gel-like texture.
This gel-like texture is due to the agar found in seaweed. It is extracted from the plant and used in food production to make foods thicker and give them a gel-like texture. Some of the foods that contain agar include gelatin (that comes as no surprise!) ice cream, and even pre-packaged baked goods like cheese Danishes!
Believe it or not, you are probably consuming seaweed on a regular basis and you never even knew it! Amazing!
Fortress Nutrition LLC
We’re pioneers in food trends, and we’re ready for any changes that come our way. Fortress Nutrition LLC has a solid history of meeting strict specifications for our customers based on consumer preference, restrictive diets and much more.
Rest assured that you’re in good hands with Fortress Nutrition. To learn more about how we tailor our blending, ingredient sourcing, logistics, consumer packaging, and other services to meet customer needs, and to find out how we can partner with you to ensure compliance with new GMO laws, contact us today.