Carrageenans are a family of linear sulfated polysaccharides that are extracted from red edible seaweeds. 

Carrageenan is a widely used food additive thanks to its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. In Thailand, Carrageenan is used in the dairy and meat industry due to the strong binding to food protein characteristics it has. 

In the confectionery industry, Carrageenan can be used as a vegetarian and vegan alternative to gelatin.