Alginate

Alginates are found in algae in insoluble forms. To extract them, they must first be transformed into soluble forms and then extracted. Once this is done, the remains of the algae are removed and the product is precipitated and subjected to some final modifications until the commercial product is obtained in powder form.

It is used to thicken, gel and stabilise products in different sectors such as the food industry, but also in others. However, its functionality is highly influenced by the conditions of the matrix, which makes it necessary to carefully select the right type of alginate for each application, as well as to design the process in a way that is compatible with its use.

Thanks to some special properties of alginate such as cold solubility, thermostability and high resistance to acidic media, it is often found as a gelling agent in instant desserts, pickle fillings and bake stable fillings. It has also become very popular in molecular cuisine for its use in spherification. In technical applications, it is used to make dental molds.