Agar Agar Powder E406 500g Vegan Gelling Agent

Agar Agar Powder E406 500g Vegan Gelling Agent Description

Agar Agar Powder E406 – 500g (2 × 250g) | Vegan Gelling Agent, Vegetarian Gelatine Alternative & Food Thickener

HD Chemicals Agar Agar Powder E406 is a versatile plant-based gelling, thickening and stabilising agent derived from red seaweed. Widely used in cooking, baking and confectionery, agar agar is an excellent vegetarian and vegan alternative to traditional animal-derived gelatine.

Known for its strong gelling properties, agar agar helps create firm, stable textures in fruit jellies, desserts, puddings, confectionery, cake fillings and savoury dishes.

Supplied as 500g (2 × 250g Packs), this convenient multipack is ideal for home baking, professional kitchens and regular food preparation. The two separate packs make measuring, handling and storage easier.

Key Features & Benefits

• Agar Agar Powder E406 – Plant-derived gelling agent made from red seaweed.

• Vegan & Vegetarian Alternative – Suitable for replacing animal-derived gelatine in many recipes.

• Excellent Gelling Properties – Produces firm gels that set as the mixture cools.

• Versatile Cooking Ingredient – Ideal for desserts, fruit jellies, puddings, confectionery and savoury preparations.

• Thickening & Stabilising Agent – Helps achieve the desired consistency in suitable food formulations.

• 500g Multipack (2 × 250g) – Supplied in two separate packs for convenient storage and portion control.

Common Uses

Vegan & Vegetarian Jellies

Create homemade fruit jellies and gel-based desserts without animal-derived gelatine.

Desserts & Puddings

Ideal for panna cotta-style desserts, vegan cheesecakes, puddings, custards and layered desserts.

Cake Fillings & Baking

Useful for setting fruit fillings, dessert layers and selected bakery preparations.

Confectionery & Jelly Sweets

Suitable for producing firm fruit gels, jelly sweets and other gel-based confectionery.

Jams & Fruit Preparations

Can be used in selected recipes requiring additional thickening or gel formation.

Savoury Cooking

Useful for preparing vegetable gels, savoury terrines and other dishes requiring a firm texture.

Food Production

E406 is widely used as a gelling, thickening and stabilising agent in suitable food formulations.

How to Use Agar Agar Powder

Agar agar must be heated sufficiently to dissolve before it can form a gel.

Basic Jelly Preparation

1. Measure the required quantity of agar agar powder.

2. Add the powder to cold water, fruit juice or another suitable liquid and stir thoroughly.

3. Heat the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring continuously.

4. Simmer briefly, typically for 1–2 minutes, until the agar has fully dissolved.

5. Add additional ingredients as required by your recipe.

6. Pour the mixture into suitable moulds or containers.

7. Allow to cool until the mixture sets.

Suggested Mixing RatiosDesired ConsistencyAgar Agar PowderLiquidSoft Gel2–4g1 LitreMedium Gel5–7g1 LitreFirm Gel8–10g1 Litre

These quantities are approximate starting points. The required amount depends on the recipe, acidity, sugar content and desired texture.

Helpful Tips

• Agar agar generally produces a firmer, more brittle texture than animal-derived gelatine.

• It typically sets as the mixture cools, without requiring refrigeration for initial gel formation.

• For best results, dissolve the agar completely before adding highly acidic ingredients.

• Strongly acidic mixtures may require adjustments to achieve the desired gel strength.

• Agar gels can generally be melted again by reheating sufficiently and will reset upon cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Agar Agar Powder E406?

Agar agar is a plant-derived polysaccharide extracted from certain red seaweeds. It is commonly used as a gelling, thickening and stabilising ingredient.

Is agar agar suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Yes. Agar agar is derived from seaweed and contains no animal-derived gelatine.

Can agar agar replace normal gelatine?

Yes, in many recipes. However, agar agar generally creates a firmer texture than animal gelatine, so quantities and preparation methods may need adjusting.

Does agar agar need to be boiled?

Yes. Agar agar normally requires heating to near boiling temperature to dissolve properly and achieve reliable gel formation.

Does agar agar set at room temperature?

Yes. Agar agar generally begins to set as it cools to approximately 32–40°C, depending on the formulation.

How much agar agar should I use?

Approximately 5–7g per litre of liquid is a useful starting point for a medium gel. Adjust the quantity according to the desired consistency.

Can agar agar be used in vegan cheesecakes?

Yes. It can help set suitable vegan cheesecake fillings and other plant-based desserts.

Can I use agar agar in fruit juice?

Yes. Agar agar can be used with many fruit juices, although highly acidic ingredients may affect gel strength.

Can agar agar be reheated?

Yes. Agar gels can generally be melted by reheating sufficiently and will set again when cooled.

What does E406 mean?

E406 is the recognised food additive designation for agar, which is used as a gelling, thickening and stabilising agent.

Will I receive one 500g pack?

No. The total quantity is 500g, supplied as 2 separate 250g packs.