Which yogurt does not have carrageenan?

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Studies indicate that some individuals experience digestive issues from carrageenan, a common food additive used for its thickening properties. Finding a yogurt without this controversial ingredient requires careful label reading, but fortunately, many excellent carrageenan-free brands are available for both dairy and plant-based options.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide to identifying yogurts without the common food additive carrageenan, covering popular dairy and non-dairy brands, key ingredients to look for, and reading labels effectively.

Key Points

Many carrageenan-free options exist: Both dairy brands like Wallaby and plant-based brands such as Silk and So Delicious offer yogurts without this additive.
Homemade yogurt is always carrageenan-free: Making your own yogurt guarantees you control all ingredients, avoiding unwanted additives completely.
Read ingredient labels carefully: Carrageenan must be listed on the ingredients list, so always double-check the label before purchasing.
Carrageenan functions as a thickener: It's added to prevent whey separation and improve texture, especially in low-fat and non-dairy yogurts.
Health concerns exist despite being 'GRAS': Some studies suggest links between food-grade carrageenan and digestive issues or inflammation in sensitive individuals.
Alternative thickeners are common: Many brands use other stabilizers like guar gum or xanthan gum instead of carrageenan.
Specific brand options are available: Brands such as Dannon Oikos Triple Zero and Forager Project have carrageenan-free product lines.

Carrageenan is an indigestible polysaccharide derived from red seaweed, frequently used as a thickener and stabilizer in processed foods, including yogurt. It helps create a consistent, creamy texture and prevents ingredient separation, especially in low-fat or plant-based varieties. However, due to health concerns, many consumers seek carrageenan-free products. Fortunately, numerous manufacturers now offer a wide selection of yogurts without this additive.

Dairy Yogurt Brands Without Carrageenan

For those who prefer dairy yogurt, several brands have removed carrageenan from many of their products. Always check the current ingredient list as recipes can change.

Wallaby Organic: Known for avoiding carrageenan in their yogurts.
Dannon Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt: Specific flavors are carrageenan-free.
Lifeway Kefir: Some organic and low-fat kefir cultured milks are free of carrageenan.
Stonyfield Organic: Their plain organic Greek yogurt and other products are noted as carrageenan-free.
Homemade Yogurt: Making yogurt at home is the best way to ensure it's free of all additives.

Plant-Based Yogurt Brands Without Carrageenan

Many non-dairy yogurts use carrageenan, but a growing number of plant-based options are available without it.

Silk: Offers numerous carrageenan-free plant-based yogurt alternatives, including almond and soy milk varieties.
So Delicious Dairy Free: Provides several carrageenan-free coconut milk yogurt alternatives.
Forager Project: Their organic cashewmilk yogurts are carrageenan-free.
Culina: Offers carrageenan-free, thick dairy-free yogurts.
Kite Hill: Known for almond milk yogurt with several carrageenan-free options.
Oui by Yoplait: Their coconut dairy alternative yogurts are carrageenan-free.
Siggi's: The brand's plant-based coconut blends do not contain carrageenan.

Understanding the Carrageenan Controversy and Health Concerns

While the FDA considers food-grade carrageenan “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), concerns persist regarding potential health effects. It's distinct from poligeenan (degraded carrageenan), which is an inflammatory agent not used in food. However, some worry that stomach acids could partially degrade food-grade carrageenan, potentially causing inflammation and digestive issues. Sensitive individuals have reported symptoms like bloating and IBS. Some research suggests it could negatively impact the gut microbiome, potentially affecting inflammatory bowel diseases. Individuals with digestive conditions may be more susceptible. Many choose to avoid it as a precaution while research continues.

How to Read Yogurt Labels for Carrageenan

To find a yogurt without carrageenan, always check the ingredient list. Carrageenan is legally required to be listed. Look for the word “carrageenan” or sometimes its E-number E407. Carrageenan-free yogurts may use alternative thickeners or none at all.

Common Carrageenan Alternatives:

Guar Gum
Xanthan Gum
Locust Bean Gum
Pectin
Gellan Gum

Comparison of Popular Carrageenan-Free Yogurts

Here's a comparison of some popular carrageenan-free yogurts:


Brand	Type	Noteworthy Features	Common Availability
Wallaby	Dairy	Organic, whole milk options	Natural grocery stores, major supermarkets
Dannon Oikos Triple Zero	Dairy (Greek)	High protein, no artificial sweeteners	Major supermarkets
Lifeway	Dairy (Kefir)	Organic, drinkable yogurt	Major supermarkets, health food stores
Forager Project	Plant-Based (Cashew)	Organic, probiotic, creamy texture	Natural grocery stores, health food stores
So Delicious	Plant-Based (Coconut)	Dairy-free, variety of flavors	Major supermarkets, natural grocery stores
Kite Hill	Plant-Based (Almond)	Greek-style, dairy-free	Natural grocery stores, specialty markets

Conclusion

A wide variety of carrageenan-free yogurts are available for both dairy and plant-based preferences. The key is to carefully read ingredient labels, as product compositions can change. By choosing brands known for clear labeling and avoiding carrageenan, such as Wallaby, Dannon Oikos Triple Zero, Silk, and So Delicious, you can enjoy delicious yogurt without this additive. Staying informed helps you make the best dietary choices. For more on food additives, consider resources like the Cornucopia Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrageenan is a thickening and stabilizing agent derived from red seaweed, used to improve the texture and prevent separation of ingredients in many yogurts, particularly low-fat and plant-based varieties.

While the FDA considers food-grade carrageenan 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS), some studies suggest it may cause inflammation and digestive issues in certain individuals. It is crucial to distinguish it from degraded carrageenan (poligeenan), which is unsafe for consumption.

No, not all organic yogurts are carrageenan-free. Some brands, even organic ones, may still use this additive. It is always important to check the ingredients label to be sure.

Yes, certain Greek yogurt brands like Dannon Oikos Triple Zero are noted as carrageenan-free. For other brands, checking the label is essential to confirm.

Brands like Forager Project (cashew), Kite Hill (almond milk), and Culina (coconut) offer carrageenan-free options in their plant-based yogurt lines.

Look for the specific term "carrageenan" on the ingredient list. Some alternatives you might see instead include guar gum, locust bean gum, or gellan gum, which are generally considered less controversial.

Yes, making homemade yogurt from milk and a starter culture is a surefire way to avoid carrageenan and any other unwanted additives. This gives you full control over the ingredients.

Yes, carrageenan is used for its thickening properties. Without it, some yogurts may have a thinner consistency or require alternative stabilizers like pectin or guar gum. Homemade yogurts often have a naturally different texture.