Description

Kappaphycus alvarezii (syn. K. cottonii) is a species of red alga. It is one of the most important commercial sources of carrageenans, a family of gel-forming, viscosifying polysaccharides. Carrageenans are used in a variety of commercial applications as gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agents, especially in food products such as frozen desserts, chocolate milk, cottage cheese, whipped cream, instant products, yogurt, jellies, pet foods, and sauces. Aside from these functions, carrageenans are used in pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics, and industrial applications such as mining.