What Brands Do Not Use Carrageenan in Food?

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to reports by the Cornucopia Institute, consumer pressure has led many organic and natural food brands to remove carrageenan from their products. The demand for cleaner labels and concern over potential digestive issues associated with this seaweed-derived additive has prompted many people to search for brands that do not use carrageenan in food. This guide offers a comprehensive look at brands committed to producing carrageenan-free products.

Quick Summary

This guide identifies numerous brands across various food categories that have removed carrageenan from their products. Learn which labels to look for, covering everything from dairy and non-dairy milks to frozen desserts and processed foods.

Key Points

Ingredient Label Reading: Become a vigilant label-reader, as some brands have inconsistent formulations and product lines regarding carrageenan use.
Dairy Alternatives: Brands like Organic Valley, Eden Foods, and Pacific Foods offer reliable carrageenan-free plant-based milk options.
Frozen Desserts: For ice cream lovers, Häagen-Dazs is a consistent carrageenan-free choice, and certain dairy-free brands like Coconut Bliss also avoid it.
Buyer's Guides: Utilize resources like the Cornucopia Institute's buyer's guides or the Fig App to easily identify carrageenan-free products while shopping.
Whole Foods: Making your own products from scratch ensures complete control over ingredients and avoids the additive entirely.

Carrageenan, a food additive extracted from red seaweed, is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in a wide range of products, particularly dairy and dairy-alternative items. While it has been deemed safe by regulatory agencies, some consumers report experiencing gastrointestinal distress, including inflammation and other symptoms, leading them to seek out brands that do not use carrageenan in food. Fortunately, many brands have responded by reformulating their products.

Carrageenan-Free Dairy Alternatives

For those who prefer plant-based milks, finding a carrageenan-free option is easier than ever. The key is to check the ingredient label carefully, as formulations can vary even within the same brand. Many companies have switched to alternatives like gellan gum, guar gum, or locust bean gum.

Almond and Soy Milk

Whole Foods 365: Their organic almond milk is a reliable carrageenan-free choice.
Trader Joe's: The shelf-stable unsweetened almond milk and many refrigerated versions are produced without carrageenan. Always double-check the label as their formulas can change.
Organic Valley: A brand often cited for its clean ingredients, their soy and chocolate milks are carrageenan-free.
Eden Foods: Their Organic Unsweetened Edensoy is known for its simple ingredients.

Other Plant-Based Milks

Pacific Foods: Offers several carrageenan-free options, including oat, hemp, and coconut milks.
Califia Farms: The organic versions of their almond and cashew milks are free of carrageenan.
Three Trees: This brand specializes in minimally processed nut milks, using organic almonds and filtered water only.

Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts without Carrageenan

Carrageenan is frequently used in ice cream and other frozen desserts to prevent ice crystal formation and create a smooth texture. Several premium brands, as well as some dairy-free alternatives, have pledged to keep this ingredient out of their products.

Dairy Ice Cream

Häagen-Dazs: This popular brand famously does not use carrageenan, stabilizers, or gums in its standard flavors.
Talenti Gelato: Many flavors use alternative stabilizers, so checking the label is essential.
Tillamook: A favorite for many, Tillamook's products are largely carrageenan-free, but checking the specific product is recommended.

Dairy-Free Frozen Desserts

Coconut Bliss: This brand of coconut-based frozen desserts is known for its simple, organic, and carrageenan-free ingredients.

Processed and Prepared Foods

Beyond dairy and frozen desserts, carrageenan can hide in many processed foods. Be vigilant when purchasing these items.

Dairy and Yogurt Products

Lifeway: Many of their organic kefir and yogurt products are listed as carrageenan-free.
Stonyfield Farm: Their organic O Soy yogurt alternatives are carrageenan-free.
Whole Foods 365: Check their store-brand cottage cheese and coffee creamer.

Meat Alternatives

Morningstar Farms: Several of their veggie burgers and plant-based sausage patties are carrageenan-free.
Beyond Meat: Their plant-based ground meat products do not contain carrageenan.
Impossible Foods: The Impossible Burger is also made without this additive.

Comparison Table: Popular Brands with and without Carrageenan


Food Category	Brands Without Carrageenan	Brands Often Containing Carrageenan (Check Label)
Milk & Milk Alternatives	Organic Valley, Eden Foods, Pacific Foods Oat/Hemp Milk, Three Trees, Malk	Almond Breeze (some varieties), Silk (some products), Kirkland (some varieties), Aldi brands
Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts	Häagen-Dazs, Talenti (some), Tillamook (some), Coconut Bliss	Ben & Jerry's, Breyers (some), Great Value (Walmart), Blue Bunny
Yogurt & Kefir	Lifeway Organic Kefir, Stonyfield Farm Organic O Soy, Trader Joe's Yogurt	Dannon (Oikos varieties listed as carrageenan-free, but others may contain it), some store brands
Processed Meats	Applegate Farms (many products), Tofurky [Specific product checks recommended]	Most conventional sliced deli meats, some hot dogs and canned meats
Pet Foods	Canidae, Merrick Back Country, Weruva (some)	Many popular canned paté-style pet foods

How to Always Find Carrageenan-Free Foods

The best way to ensure you're avoiding carrageenan is to become a dedicated label-reader. Look for ingredients like carrageenan, Irish moss, or seaweed extract. You can also utilize apps like Fig App, which allows you to filter products by diet, including "carrageenan-free". This can be a huge time-saver at the grocery store.

Another option is to purchase whole foods and make your own sauces, dressings, and dairy-free alternatives. Making your own almond or cashew milk is simple and guarantees control over all ingredients.

Conclusion

Many consumers are actively looking for brands that do not use carrageenan in food due to potential health concerns. The good news is that numerous manufacturers have listened and provide a wide selection of carrageenan-free products, especially in the dairy and dairy-alternative categories. From brands like Häagen-Dazs and Organic Valley to Whole Foods' 365 line and plant-based options like Coconut Bliss, navigating the market for carrageenan-free items is becoming much easier. Always remember to check the ingredient list to ensure a product is genuinely free of this additive, and consider using buyer's guides from trusted organizations for assistance. The Cornucopia Institute offers detailed guides for organic products specifically, and their research has been instrumental in this consumer-driven movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrageenan is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in many processed foods. It helps to prevent ingredients from separating, giving products a smooth, uniform texture, particularly in dairy and non-dairy items.

Several milk brands are carrageenan-free. Examples include Organic Valley (dairy and soy), Eden Foods (Edensoy), Pacific Foods (various plant-based milks), Malk, Three Trees, and certain versions from Whole Foods 365 and Trader Joe's.

Yes, you can find carrageenan-free ice cream. Häagen-Dazs is a well-known brand that does not use it. Some products from Talenti and Tillamook are also carrageenan-free, and plant-based brands like Coconut Bliss are reliable options.

While it is less common due to consumer demand, carrageenan can still be found in some organic products. The Cornucopia Institute has been tracking organic brands that have removed the additive in response to consumer concerns.

Always check the ingredients list on the product packaging. Look specifically for the terms 'carrageenan,' 'carrageenin,' or 'Irish moss extract.' This is the most reliable method for identifying its presence.

No, not all plant-based milks are carrageenan-free. Many brands, particularly older or conventional formulations like certain Almond Breeze varieties, may still contain it. It is crucial to check the specific product label.

Some people avoid carrageenan due to concerns over its potential link to digestive problems like gut inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the evidence is debated, many choose to avoid it as a precaution.