In my post, Replacing Dairy Milk, a few of you commented that you avoid several brands of non-dairy milk because they contain an ingredient called carrageenan. This was the first time I had heard anything about this ingredient, or at least the first time I took any notice. I assumed that it was a safe ingredient, especially because it is found in some organic products. But as we know, just because something is allowed in our food does not mean it’s necessarily good for us. It’s frustrating as a consumer to believe we are buying quality ingredients only to find out they could be harmful to our health.
Anyway, I knew I had to look into this further. And I don’t like what I’m reading. In fact, I’m pretty ticked off.
At first blush, carrageenan sounds seemingly harmless – it’s derived from red seaweed and is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and/or emulsifier in many dairy (sour cream, yogurt, ice cream, etc), dairy alternatives (non-dairy milk, non-dairy cheese, etc), and deli meat products. As it turns out, research links carrageenan to gastrointestinal inflammation, lesions, and even colon cancer in animals. Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease or other gastrointestinal disorders are cautioned to avoid this ingredient as it can make symptoms – and inflammation – even worse. As someone who has suffered from IBS for many years, I was shocked to find this information out. This was the first I had heard of it.
For a review of the research on carrageenan see this PDF document by Cornucopia.org. Please look into this ingredient and make your own informed opinion.
For a long and detailed list of carrageenan in many dairy and non-dairy food products (and safe products as well), please see this Cornucopia shopping guide – it’s extremely helpful. You might be surprised at many of the brands that contain this ingredient. I know I sure was.
I realize there is no conclusive evidence with regard to human consumption of this ingredient, but I’m not willing to take that risk when there are other options, especially because I have suffered from IBS on and off for half my life. I will no longer support President’s Choice Organic Almond Milk or Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze – two of several brands that contain carrageenan. Instead, I’m going to purchase Whole Foods 365 organic almond milk which is one of the carrageenan-free brands or I will make my own milk at home (more on this in my next post). I’m anxious to see if I notice a difference.
For the complete list of carrageenan-free products, be sure to check out the shopping guide linked above.
As I mentioned in my intro post, we have a lot to learn from each other and this is a perfect example. I’m thankful for all of you sharing your experiences and knowledge in the comments. I’m learning too. I hope that by writing about this today, more awareness is brought to this ingredient. With other thickeners/emulsifiers readily available (such as organic guar gum and organic locust bean gum) there is no excuse for food businesses to continue to put carrageenan into our food at the potential risk of our health.
I was already planning a post on homemade milk, but now it seems even more timely and appropriate. Easy, homemade milk coming on up. I think you’ll really like the ingredients list in this one.
Have you heard anything about carrageenan before? Do you avoid it on labels or will you in the future?
Thank you so much for posting this! I am not a great lable reader and I just “take it for granted” that something is good for me! I so appreciate your hard work with your blog and your willingness to inform! I think I will write letters to the companies that use this carrageenan just to let them know they could do better!
What a great idea to write letters to the company! I will do the same and I think some may be willing to modify their products to keep their health conscious customers happy.
Yah, that is a great idea. The more people who verbalize, the more likely they are to make changes. If it is unnecessary, then why not err on the side of caution and wholesomeness.
Silk’s Pure Almond Milk DOES NOT contain carrageenan. It’s my favorite almond milk…very creamy and frothy YUM :) If you’re like me and don’t have the time to make your own, it’s a wonderful option.
The problem with Silk is that they are owned by Dean Food’s — pretty much one of the biggest dairy companies in the world. So buying in buying Silk you’re still supporting the dairy industry.
Which is extremely frustrating as Silk and Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze (which has carageenan) are pretty much the two brands available in my area. No Whole Foods around here unfortunately =(
I see what you’re saying about them being owned by a dairy company, but by supporting their vegan products aren’t we telling them as consumers that those nondairy options are the products we would like to see on the shelves?
I agree with you Audrey. If a greater portion of the population would make the transition over to non-dairy products that are totally healthy, the industry would follow-up with more and better options for us Vegans and informed consumers.
I have been struggling with diabetes, digestive issues and, just recently, lymphoma, for some time. I wish I had known the truth of carrageenan long ago, because I had been consuming many products that contain this ingredient. It was only by coincidence that I was talking to a Whole Foods worker regarding their Almond Milk, (which I had switched to about a year ago from Almond Breeze), that was not in stock because it was pulled back for reformulation, who told me about the carrageenan. I was in shock because I had put so much faith in the companies, who claimed their product was better than dairy milk, would use a potentially dangerous ingredient. I’ve known for years that dairy products were not all they claimed it was. In fact, it’s just the opposite. All people should be made aware of this and get the industry to own up to the truth.
does gellan gum, locust bean gum or allergens contain carageenan?
seems like read that it was hidden there?
Silk is not owned by Dean Foods. They are owned by a company called WhiteWave, which also makes Horizon Organic Milk.
I agree with Audrey.
I know that our diary industry has gone astray but I do support products that reflect what I want to eat. If people change what they allow in their food and what not, then maybe the industry will change too. At the same time we need to support human living conditions for the creatures that give us our daily food. That I do with letters and emails.
Btw checking for b12 in non dairy milks is another concideration. As almond brreze has none and silk has at least 50% of a daily requirement.
In moderation I personally don’t worry about carrageenan. But I do check nutritional additives (vitamins) which you don’t want to overdose on. And o of course you want to steer clear of gmo’s. Silk is a great non-gmo product , both their milk and frozen desserts. If ur store doesn’t carry, always ask management. It also won’t hurt to try contacting companies to order from, giving your situation.
The Silk company is opposed to GMO labeling, though. They gave alot of money to support GMO labeling in CA.
Sorry for the typo. They gave alot of money to OPPOSE GMO labeling in CA. What was I thinking.
I happened to buy “Silk, pure coconut” milk last week and noticed that had this “carrageenan” thing in the ingredients label. Too bad, cause it has the “Non GMO project” logo :(
The silk brand for the coconut milk has carrageenan in it.
SILK almond SUCKS!!!! completely unnatural texture. like instant pudding before it fully sets.way too thick for my comfort. if there is a whole foods near you I highly recommend their 365 store brand almond milk. Delicious. and its exponentially closer to milks real consistency!!
Double check the research there are two types of carrageenan, degraded and undegraded. Most of the studies used degraded carrageenan, undegraded carrageenan is the substance used in food products. These substances are different in how the body reacts to them. I am not promoting avoiding or using products with this substnce but am advocating being informed.
Unfortunately, you only have part of the picture. While it is well established that degraded carrageenan is harmful, there have also been concerns with undegraded carrageenan dating back to the 70’s. There are several studies (including industry-funded studies) showing undegraded carrageenan linked with intestinal inflammation and colon cancer in animals. (When I took my cat off a cat food with carrageenan, his IBD cleared up! A little anecdotal evidence for ya…lol)
Further, studies are reporting that “safe” undegraded carrageenan can degrade in the gastrointestinal tract to become undegraded carrageenan…yikes.
On top of that, when the industry tested degraded carrageenan for the presence of undegraded carrageenan, every sample had at least some undegraded carrageenen in it. Some samples had as much as 25% undegraded carrageenan.
Eat it at your own risk…but it’s out of my diet. ;-)
Ah, geez…I got my degraded and undegraded’s mixed up half way through! LOL…typical me.
So, I meant to say…that undegraded (food-“safe”) becomes degraded (not food-safe) during digestion. And that when tested, samples of undegraded carrageenan have up to 25% degraded (harmful) carrageenan in them.
Whew…that was tough. ;-)
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA401181/Is-Carrageenan-Safe.html
This link sites extensive research showing all forms of carrageenan as being harmful.
I have never heard of this either! I drink coconut milk everyday. Thank you for sharing what you found. I am running to the fridge now to check ingredients :)
That is a wonderful observation that you made- that we can learn so much from each other. I hadn’t ever heard of this ingredient either, and I have been living “clean” and vegan for long enough now that the surprises are few and far between. Thanks for the post, and thanks to everyone who commented and brought this into the light!
Ive never heard of it but I’m going downstairs to check my almond milk now! I can’t thank you enough for sharing this type of information in a way that is so easy to understand. Thank you and thank you to your readers!!!
Just read this,checked my Almond milk in the fridge…it is “Silk True Almond” and it does not list Carrageenan as an ingredient and it is Non-GMO. We just purchased this brand this week, so glad we did…Just thought I would let everyone know!
Thank you for posting this Angela, you are changing how we think/eat/live on a daily basis :)
Unfortunately, Silk Soy Milk does have it as an ingredient even while labelling it organic. :(
The unfortunate thing about the organic bandwagon is that people assume that organic always means healthy. Carrageenan is a polysaccharide (same type of molecule as sugar) therefore if it was extracted without the use of chemicals, it is still organic.
Unfortunately it is extracted with chemical and that’s what makes it unsafe. I consumed a lot of it before I learned of the dangers it can cause n boy was I surprised n shocked not to mention upset since I was batteling caner at the time. So now I read the lable on everything. High Fructose Corn Syrup is anothser dangerous ingredient to avoid like the plague!!!
The problem with Silk brand, if you’re an ethical vegan, is that it is owned by Dean foods, Americas largest dairy supplier. They also forked over a lot of money to oppose bill 37 regarding GMO labeling. It really sucks :(
You’re right. I was so upset when I found this out and don’t buy Silk brand anymore! So ironic their parent company gave money to ban Prop 37 considering the label on their products says “Say no to GMO!” How hypocritical! Here’s a great resource to find out what organic brands are owned by larger, unethical corporations.
http://www.cornucopia.org/who-owns-organic/
I am allergic to soy (as well as a number of other things) and my options seem VERY limited. I have recently been drinking the Almond Breeze brand (which contains carrageenan), and was going to switch back to Silk. I am a vegan for ethical reasons though, and don’t want to support a company like theirs. Do you have any suggestions/other options?
Make your own almond milk! Super easy and much cheaper, too. :-)
Some Hemp beverages have no carrageenan, but their unsweetened variety does have carrageenan. Perhaps with communication, we can get them to take out the carrageenan.
I hate that Silk and Horizon sold out to Dean Foods and that this Dean Foods company donated a lot of money to Monsanto to stop Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods in California.
Yesterday, I called Almond Breeze (almond and coconut) and ask if they have Genetically Engineered ingredients, and they said YES THEY DO HAVE GMO’S IN Almond Breeze.
Silk Almond has the Non-GMO verified label, so this is something I don’t understand, but aside from politically boycotting, it does not have carrageenan (which my naturopathic doctor verified carrageenan does cause inflammation and worse.
If necessary, I can give up cereal and just go ride my bike down and get organic vege juice daily, instead of a couple times a week, to mix with my Ultra Clear Medical food and Vitamin D liquid drops, if these companies don’t stop being idiots.
Thank you for this post on carrageenan. I recently had heard that it wasn’t good for us but I didn’t know why. So thank you for filling me in on the details.
Your homemade milk in the glass looks creamy, beautiful, and just sooooo good!
And all these things to think about and be mindful of. I better go have some chocolate and ponder it so I can wash it down with that milk of yours :)
yes I am a milk lover but I have a Dairy Farm has their own cows I buy milk there all the time. they just boil it. they have a ice cream store.
Make their own Ice Cream and sell farm fresh milk.
Thanks for this post! As someone who has tried almost every almond milk out there, I was also concerned about carrageenan, which is why I stopped buying Blue Diamond.
I recently discovered Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk and fell in love. It was thick and creamy and delicious. But your post prompted you to look up the ingredients. I never looked at it, because I trusted that most of TJ’s products are natural. But I realize that ‘natural’ is a loose term, and you can never rely on that when buying products.
In my research, I discovered this online post: http://mymimamsa.com/2011/03/08/but-if-its-from-trader-joes-its-all-natural-right-2/
The ingredient list looks scary, with a whole bunch of scientific words that I don’t recognize.
But, I love this almond milk so much, so I’m a little torn. I also read a lot about xantham gum not being good for you. (I’m gluten sensitive, so I know it’s used as a binder).
What do you think about this ingredient list? Would you drink this almond milk? How do you feel about xantham gum? Thanks!
Hey Suzanne, I haven’t looked into the other ingredients, but I would suggest doing your research if they are a concern. Best of luck!
I was pretty surprised to hear this about carageenan in food and it potentially causing intestinal distress. As someone with tummy issues, I will definitely take this into consideration. I buy Blue Diamond almond milk pretty regularly as it is easy to get coupons for it.
I know it’s not food related (although it is health and body related!), but carageenan isn’t all bad. For instance, it shows up as an ingredient in some personal lubricants because it has been shown in some studies to prevent the transmission of HPV. Sliquid makes a rather easily found carageenan lubricant called Sliquid Sea.
Carraggeenan is made from seaweed. All the seaweed is now radioactive, from the Fukushima disaster, and getting worse.
Do not eat anything out of the sea, forever.
Thank you for this timely, informative post! Carrageenan is also commonly called Irish moss or carrageenan moss. I have seen many raw dessert chefs/blogs using this species of red algae as a thickener/stabilizer without researching the health concerns beforehand. Thanks to posts like this, the general public will be informed and prompted to educate themselves concerning this ingredient. You are a gem! Thanks again!
Carrageenan is not Irish moss. It is processed from it. I have done my own research and don’t see anything wrong with carrageenan.
I totally agree with you Sandy. I found this on Amazon under the reviews for a book entitled Artisanal Vegan Cheese by Miyoko Schinner and thought it was very profound:
“Regarding carrageenan. I do believe that you can find anything on the internet that villifies almost anything. I think it is strange to blame small amounts of carrageenan when studies are at best inconclusive, and when meat, dairy, sugar, processed food, and excess fats do a lot more to damage one’s health. If you believe the studies of a single individual (yes, there has been one person spearheading these negative studies), then substitute agar for carrageenan in my recipes. or you can use powdered Irish Moss (but I repeat, and see below, that carrageenan is simply processed Irish Moss). But take care to avoid many foods except homemade, because almost everything from soy and almond milk, to non-dairy yogurts and so many other “organic” foods contain it.
All the carrageenans (kappa, iota, lambda) are from slightly different species of red algae. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, kappa carrageenan can be extracted from either Irish Moss (chondrus crispus) or another red algae.
it is processed in the following way:
“Carrageenan is extracted from this seaweed in two ways. In native extraction, the seaweed is made into an aqueous solution, and the residue is filtered, leaving nearly pure carrageenan. The alkaline-modified method is less expensive and easier. The seaweed is mixed in an alkali solution, leaving a mixture of carrageenan and cellulose that can be sold as semirefined carrageenan.”
I have to agree with Jen’s statements regarding her mom. I am 49 yrs old and have been treated for rheumatoid arthritis since I was 17. Two years ago, I gave up milk and ice cream, and began drinking Silk almond milk. Magically my RA disappeared! No longer on any meds of any kind! Last year I had some ice cream made with whole milk….became very sick; headache and could not stay out of the bathroom! Also, another time I bought another brand of almond milk that contained carrageenan (unknowingly!) inflammation started right up!
So for me, carrageenan is definitely a problem!
Irish moss and Carrageenan are very different in how they are processed. Irish moss is a healthy food safe for most people without negative side effects, the research was done on carrageenan (super processed) in packaged food products, not on the actual whole food irish moss that you can buy and soak to use in recipes at home.
Here’s an interesting article written by Elaina Love that helps break down the differences between the two ingredients and why you may want to re-consider being so concerned about using a sea weed in its natural form: http://elainalove.com/2012/10/13/the-buzz-about-irish-moss/
I can tell you with certainty that carageenan makes my Mom sick. For YEARS we could not figure it out. She could have cows milk, but not cream, some processed foods, not others. Heck, its even in wheat tortillas wraps. She also stopped buying certain toothpastes since discovering it was in them. Since we figured out what it was that was making her sick, she has been SO much better. Instead of feeling ill almost daily, she rarely feels sick. No doubt it was the carageenan!
Wow I had no idea! Thank you so much for sharing–I will certainly be giving more thought to the future of my usual weekly almond breeze purchase. Thank you so much for sharing the facts with your readers, AND for publicly declaring your boycott of carrageenan-containing almond milk. Hopefully almond breeze, etc. will take notice and make changes!
Quite a subject, Angela. I recently learned of the carrageenan conundrum from Susan Powers at Rawmazing.com. She did a lot of research on carrageenan because she used Irish Moss in many of her raw recipes. Needless to say, she is no longer using it. I pitched the remaining half package I had in my fridge, into the garbage can. I used to use packaged non-dairy milks, (with unsweetened almond and almond-coconut being my faves) but once I began making my own nut and seed milks, there was no turning back to store-bought for me. :)
Carol, I read rawmazing’s post too but from what I’ve been led to believe there’s a difference in the effects on the body of carageenan and unprocessed irish moss:
“There have been health concerns with the food additive “carrageenan gum” which is derived from Irish moss. This additive is found in ice creams, syrups, sauces, and many commercially packaged, highly processed foods. It is not the same as consuming pure Irish moss. Yes, carrageenan gum does come from Irish moss. But carageenan is heated and concentrated Irish Moss that is then highly processed into chemical form. Carageenan has lost the nutritional value of Irish Moss and makes it a health hazard.”
Pure irish moss actually has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive system rather than an irritant effect!
Wow! I can’t wait to see your post on making nut milk. I’m starting to think growing/making my own everything is going to be the only way to go!
Thanks for bringing our attention to this! I’m currently working on healing my gut by eliminating a variety of food sensitivities and will be careful about what almond milk I consume!
Thank you for posting on this; as I try to make better choices for my family and myself, I have run into many an ingredient, and this one had me snowed for a while. I had a colleague tell me about it, and I started reading into it; I was as worried as you clearly are. My father passed away from colon cancer, so I try to watch myself. Additionally, I read that it can have detrimental effects on kids, so I am increasingly careful about what I let my daughter eat. I have found West Soy brand soy milk to have a few items that are carageenan-free, and I buy them for when I need a non-dairy milk product, and I am careful about the dairy that I buy. I read EVERY label that I come into contact with, and I do my best to follow Michael Pollan’s advice as to the number of ingredients in items (5 or fewer) and the pronounce-ability of those ingredients. I have a degree in English, and I am quite good with sight reading, so if I can’t read it, you better believe it’s not going in my cart.
I’ve just looked at the ingredients on the soy ilk I use and have googled all the numbers. Carrageenan, or Irish moss is also listed as vegetable gum 407. And it’s in my soy milk. Australian brand Vitasoy “soy milky” lite. Guess what I won’t be having anymore… Thank you for the heads up.
I’ve made my own almond milk before but found I’d get a sore tummy after drinking it. Any advise?
Hey Larissa, Did you soak your almonds overnight and rinse before using? This makes them much easier to digest.
Hi Angela, yes I did. Peeled them etc. maybe I need to water it way down for myself and wean on to it slowly?!
There may be something else at play, calcium. I may have an intolerance to it and almonds are high in it? Had a virus as a baby, and been allergic to casein ever since, only since being completely milk free have I noticed changes after eating high calcium foods…something for me to look into. Sorry to go into it here!!! Love your blog, it really helps down here where saying you are Veagn is as good and saying you are unaustralian!
I spent several hundred dollars to have my blood analyzed for food allergies and sensitivies. I reacted strongly to both almonds and walnuts – ie highly allergic. I used to consume both because they are so healthy. Now, I use only coconut milk and hemp milk as alternatives to milk. It is hard to find coconut milk, though, that does not contain carrageenan unless it is canned.
Chef AJ showed a real quick way to make almond milk. 1 cup of water + 1 Tsp raw, unroasted almond butter ( larger amount 3 cups water + 1 Tbsp almond butter) Blend 15-20 seconds and enjoy. No straining! You can sweeten w date syrup or dates or maple syrup or whatever. I have also done it w roasted almond butter cuz that’s what I get at Costco but it still tastes good to me.
I read about this method in Ani Phyo’s books and I tried 3 cups water to 1 tbsp almond butter (with sweetener) and I really didn’t like it at all. I was so hoping I would! I didn’t find it compared to homemade almond milk. It might be good in a pinch though if I run out and I need something for a recipe.
oops I meant to say I tried 1/2 tbsp AB and 1 cup water and 1/2 tbsp maple syrup – as I figured that would have a similar calorie profile as 1 cup regular sweetened almond milk. It was really watery to me though.
Have you tried quinoa milk? There’s a recipe for making it on Foodbabe.com. High protein and maybe won’t cause you problems.
I had heard about this via “Food Babe” – she did a review about real food at Starbucks – she was surprised this ingredient is in their Organic Soy milk (bye bye latte’s for me – sad face) – I haven’t found a great replacement for at home, making it seems so time consuming (work full time, 2 kids and hubby) so have been using water for alot of my cooking/ recipes – sometimes with success, sometimes not.
Carageenan totally kills my stomach. I used to use vitasoy milk like 6-7 years ago and then they added carageenan, almond breeze chocolate didn’t have carageenan though I wouldn’t be surprised if it does now. There used to be a lot more choices before Silk became so popular now they all want the same consistancy. I like the whole foods brand almond milk a lot. The unsweetened vanilla is like yummy not sugary marshmallows. I think that the Trader Joes new brand of Almond milk is safe. Also Silk Pure Almond doesn’t list carageenan. I really like pacific organic oat milk for cooking with but I usually use the much cheaper Trader Joe’s Organic Unsweetened Soymilk.
What a shock! I never knew. Thanks for the info!
Vitasoy makes an Oat and Quinoa beverage that doesn’t have carageenan. Its not organic but its made from Non-GMO ingredients. I have been using it in my Vega smoothies lately and it tastes great!