Tag: Carrageenan controversy

According to regulatory bodies across Europe and the US, thickener 407 is indeed the designation for the food additive carrageenan. This ingredient, derived from red seaweed, is widely used for its thickening, gelling, and stabilizing properties in a variety of food products. It is often listed on food labels as either 'carrageenan' or its E-number, E407.

Carrageenan, a common food thickener derived from red seaweed, has been the subject of consumer debate regarding its potential health effects. The good news for health-conscious almond milk drinkers is that as of 2025, Blue Diamond has confirmed that the vast majority of its Almond Breeze retail products are now carrageenan-free. However, there is one key exception to be aware of, so checking labels is still crucial.

Despite being a common food additive extracted from red seaweed, carrageenan faces significant controversy regarding its safety, with some researchers linking it to a range of inflammatory and digestive issues. While regulatory bodies like the FDA classify food-grade carrageenan as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS), its potential health risks are still a subject of debate.

According to recent clinical studies, while food-grade carrageenan is generally considered safe, there is growing evidence linking its consumption to gut inflammation and altered gut microbiota. This has intensified the long-standing debate over whether humans can have carrageenan without experiencing adverse health effects, especially for those with pre-existing digestive conditions.

According to Starbucks' allergen and nutrition guides, the whipped cream used in many of their beverages contains carrageenan. This ingredient is a common food additive derived from red seaweed and is used for its stabilizing and thickening properties. The presence of this additive, along with others, is a topic of interest for consumers monitoring their intake of processed ingredients.

According to a 2017 study, carrageenan intake contributed to earlier disease relapse in 50% of individuals with ulcerative colitis who were in remission. This controversial seaweed-derived food additive, used widely for its thickening and stabilizing properties, has several potential downsides that concern consumers and researchers alike.