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Types of Carrageenan: Kappa, Iota, Lambda & Blended Solutions from Marine Hydrocolloids

Carrageenan is a plant-based hydrocolloid derived from red seaweed, widely recognized for its gelling, thickening and stabilizing properties. It is used across the food, pharmaceutical and personal care industries to create ideal texture, consistency and mouthfeel.
Depending on its molecular structure, Carrageenan is classified into three main types — Kappa, Iota and Lambda — along with Blended Carrageenan, which combines their properties to meet specific formulation needs. Our products include pure, refined and semi-refined Carrageenan of both Iota and Kappa types. For commercial applications, we also develop blends of Carrageenan with gums and salts to achieve the desired gelling, thickening, or stabilizing functionality.
Kappa Carrageenan forms strong, firm gels in the presence of potassium ions, offering excellent water retention and a clean break. It is ideal for structured applications such as jellies, processed cheese, gelled desserts, caviar, meat and plant-based meat, bubble tea pearls, yogurt (set, drinkable, stirred) and pet food. Its clarity, gel strength and anti-syneresis properties make it a go-to ingredient for manufacturers seeking precision and product stability.
Iota Carrageenan forms soft, elastic gels with calcium ions, delivering flexibility and smoothness. It is used in creamy desserts, pharmaceutical suspensions and cosmetic gels, where a cohesive, elastic texture is required. Its superior freeze–thaw stability and fine gel network make it ideal for formulations that need gentle elasticity and long-lasting texture retention.
Unlike the other two, Lambda Carrageenan does not form gels. Instead, it functions as a thickener and stabilizer, adding viscosity and creaminess to products such as dairy beverages, toothpaste and even paper marbling applications.
Blended Carrageenan offers versatile functionality by combining the strengths of different Carrageenan types. These blends are used in jellies, candies, jujubes, fruit crushes, chocolate milk, syrups and personal care formulations — enabling consistent results tailored to specific product requirements.
At Marine Hydrocolloids, we offer a wide range of Carrageenan grades — including Watergel, Watervis, Lactovis and Lactogel— developed through 4 decades of R&D to ensure consistent functionality across industries. Our team works closely with formulators to deliver plant-based, sustainable and performance-driven hydrocolloid solutions trusted in more than 50+ countries.
To explore our complete range and discover the right grade for your formulation, visit:- https://www.meron.com/products/carrageenan/