Alginic acid, also called algin, is a naturally occurring, edible polysaccharide found in brown algae. It is hydrophilic and forms a viscous gum when hydrated. With metals such as sodium and calcium, its salts are known as alginates.

Is algin used in ice cream?

Algin has countless uses in the food industry. In many foods, such as ice cream, sorbet, yogurt, and other dairy products, algin is used as a thickener. As a gelling agent, algin is commonly used to give jam, pudding and pastry filling a gel-like texture.

What is algin obtained from?

Algin is a natural polysaccharide, a common constituent of cell wall in all species of the brown seaweeds (Phaeophyceae). It is extracted by alkaline solution.