Welcome to this article, We are going to guide you about Agar Agar Substitutes For Gelatin Cornstarch Xanthan Gum Vegan Cheese
Agar agar is a special item that can be added to several recipes. It is made mostly from the Gracilaria and red algae Gelidium. It looks like jelly or gelatin but is different from both items.
Agar-Agar is tasteless and you can use agar-agar in several recipes such as jellies, puddings, mousses, vegetables, ice cream, cheesecake, gummy candies, etc. Moreover, agar-agar is an essential ingredient in Japanese recipes like desserts, anmitsu, etc.
In many products, agar-agar or Kanten has many uses like filler in sizing paper and cloth, an addition to cooking, a descriptive agent in brewing, and specific scientific intents.
If you are going to cook a special recipe and its special ingredient is agar-agar but you don’t have it in your kitchen. Then do not worry because you have a lot of other ideas or choices that can replace agar-agar.
What are the best Agar Agar Substitutes and how do other ingredients replace them well? Let’s figure it out.
Table of Contents
6 Wonderful Substitutes For Agar Agar Arrowroot
Agar-Agar has many substitutes such as Pectin powder, Gelatin, Xanthan Gum, Cornstarch, Carrageenan, Guar gum, etc. If you want to make your favorite recipe but you don’t have agar-agar at your home, then don’t worry.
You can use other elements or ingredients that may fulfill your needs. How the alternatives of Agar Agar can replace this special ingredient in your recipes, let’s figure it out.
1: Pectin Powder
Pectin is produced from fruits and vegetables and it is a natural ingredient that can be used in several recipes. Pectin is most generous in berries, plums, cherries, quince, apricots, apples, and the peel & pulp of citrus fruits.
Citrus fruits are such as lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and limes. Pectin is a useful ingredient for jams and jellies to make them thick.
Moreover, it provides a wonderful texture and taste in jellies instead of Agar Agar. Pectin powder is also a great source of fiber, calories, carbs, etc.
Hence, pectin has so many health benefits such as it improves blood fat and blood sugar level, etc. Moreover, it helps to reduce the risks of colon cancer, etc.
You can use pectin instead of Agar Agar mostly for sweet dishes because it provides a sweet taste. Also, remember that pectin powder is not appropriate for savory recipes.
2: Gelatin
Gelatin is another best alternative for Agar Agar and it is a protein that is acquired by ligaments, cooking skin, tendons, etc. You can usually obtain it from pigs or cows.
It is mostly used in several face masks, shampoos, and many more cosmetics. But you can use it for a photographic film of many recipes such as candies, cakes, ice cream, yogurts, marshmallows, etc.
It gives a wonderful look and texture to photographic films. Many more uses of gelatin are such as layers and capsules.
Gelatin is an important ingredient or item that can be used to help in “clearing” wines. The fact is that gelatin is not vegan and you cannot use it in vegetable recipes.
It is also known as an Agar-agar but there is a clear difference between both items. Gelatin is a great source of calories, carbs, protein, etc. Whereas it has less nutrition than agar-agar.
The clear difference between agar-agar and gelatin is that you need to boilAgar Agar whereas gelatin doesn’t require a boiling process. Hence, you can use gelatin as it is.
3: Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is another wonderful ingredient that can substitute for Agar Agar. It is the most famous food additive that’s normally added to various recipes for stabilizers or thickeners.
It is actually made from fermenting a distinct kind of bacteria and can be used in many recipes instead of Agar Agar. Because of the wonderful texture, you can use it in several recipes such as sauces, gravies, low-fat foods, fruit juices, bakery products, salad dressings, etc.
Moreover, if you are going to make ice cream then you can use Xanthan gum to make the desired texture. Xanthan gum has many health benefits it may lower blood sugar in patients, may help to lose weight, lower cholesterol may improve regularity, etc.
Keep in mind that you can use Xanthan gum in minor quantities because much use may be harmful to the human body. Because it has some side effects and you need to save yourself from all the issues.
Xanthan gum has also a great place for personal care products like creams, lotions, toothpaste, shampoos, etc. Moreover, it can be used in many industrial products such as oil drilling, toilet bowl cleaners, tiles, Fungicides, grout, insecticides, etc.
4: Cornstarch 
Cornstarch is another best substitute for Agar Agar has wonderful properties, uses, nutrients, and benefits. You can use cornstarch in your recipes for amazing texture. Cornstarch is made from corn and it is as flavorless as Agar Agar.
You can use cornstarch in various recipes and formulas such as sauces, marinades, etc. Moreover, you can use it in soups, casseroles, and in all gravies for thickness.
Moreover, cornstarch is high in nutrients, carbs, calories, copper, fiber, iron, etc. Hence, it enhances the energy level in the human body and is also good for weight loss. Similarly, cornstarch has some side effects it is not good for heart health, and blood sugar levels.
5: Carrageenan
Carrageenan is another ingredient that can replace Agar Agar well. It comes from a plant and is usually used in soy milk, beer, desserts, and processed meat. Carrageenan is harmful to health because of its less nutritious properties.
After research, we found that Carrageenan has no nutritional value. Moreover, it has no flavor and you can easily use it in any recipe instead of Agar Agar.
You can use it just for stabilizer and thickener. Furthermore, carrageenan can be used for the common cold, tuberculosis, cough, intestinal problems, and other conditions.
6: Guar Gum
Guar gum is a natural ingredient and comes from a guar plant. It is produced from guar beans and can be used for food. It provides a natural thickener to many recipes.
Guar gum is a gluten-free substitute for Agar Agar and you can use it in wheat flour. You can use Guar gum in several recipes such as bakery products, cakes, pastries, pizzas, muffins, etc.
More is Guar gum is a fabulous source of nutrients such as calories, carbs, protein, etc. Hence, Guar gum has many health benefits such as helping to low cholesterol levels, being useful to treat diarrhea, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Fabulous Alternative For Agar Agar?
You have many options to replace Agar Agar but gelatin is the most amazing ingredient. Because it provides the same thickness, stabilizing, and texture that you want. Moreover, it is tasteless same as Agar-Agar, and also has fewer nutrients. Thus, Gelatin is a similar item or ingredient to Agar Agar.
Can I Store Agar Agar For More Time?
Yes, you can easily store Agar Agar for at least 8 months. But you should prepare it just for a few days and use it. Always try to use fresh Agar Agar for the best results.
Conclusion
If you are going to explore a product for thickness or stabilizing, then Agar Agar is a wonderful product. It can be used in several food recipes and has some benefits.
But if you are out of Agar Agar at home and need something for the same texture. Then you need to find alternatives to replace it. Hence, we have explained the 6 best Agar Agar Substitutes that can replace it better.
You can see all the content in which we have explained every substitute with uses, nutrients, benefits, etc. Just you need to keep in mind that few quantities of these substitutes will be good for any purpose.
