Indian Seaweeds Used In Ice Cream, Toothpaste

The Better India · she

Seaweed from India's 7,500-km coastline, including species like Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria, is surprisingly common in everyday products. Extracts like carrageenan and agar are used as thickening agents in ice cream and chocolate milk, and as gelling agents in desserts and laboratories. These marine algae require no agricultural land or freshwater, making them an increasingly valuable resource in a world facing land and water pressures.