Agar agar substitutes
Agar agar substitutes — 8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Gelatin
Same amount as the agar agar
Animal-based gelling agent with similar texture properties.
The best substitutes for agar agar are gelatin, pectin, carrageenan, or cornstarch, depending on your dietary needs and recipe requirements.
Agar agar is a powder made from seaweed whose real job is setting: it turns a liquid into something you can unmould and slice, like a jelly, a panna cotta or a firm vegan cheese. It has to reach a full boil to work, and it sets as it cools to room temperature. Used in a small amount it only gives a liquid body, which is a different, lesser job.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- neutral taste, identical texture
- Best for —
- desserts
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Thickeningsecondary
- Setting & gellingprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of agar agar |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gelatindesserts | Same amountTweak it |
| 2 | Pectinjams | Same amountTweak it |
| 3 | Carrageenandairy products | Same amount |
| 4 | Cornstarchsauces | 2 × the amount |
| 5 | Arrowroot powdersauces | 2 × the amount |
| 6 | Xanthan gumsauces | ¼ × the amount |
| 7 | Guar gumice cream | ½ × the amount |
| 8 | Kappa carrageenanvegan cheese | Same amount |
Gelatin
neutral taste, identical texture
Animal-based gelling agent with similar texture properties.
- Covers
- Thickening
- Setting & gelling
- Best for
- desserts, jellies, puddings, mousses, panna cotta
Not suitable for vegans, but provides identical texture and gelling properties.
Pectin
neutral taste, similar texture
Plant-based gelling agent derived from fruits.
- Covers
- Thickening
- Misses
- Setting & gelling — not covered
- Best for
- jams, jellies, desserts, vegan cheese
Works well for vegan recipes, especially fruit-based applications.
Carrageenan
neutral taste, very similar texture
Seaweed-derived gelling agent similar to agar agar.
- Covers
- Thickening
- Setting & gelling
- Best for
- dairy products, vegan cheese, desserts, sauces
Excellent vegan alternative with similar gelling properties.
Cornstarch
neutral taste · thick but not gelled
Starch-based thickener that can provide some gelling properties.
- Covers
- Thickening
- Misses
- Setting & gelling — not covered
- Best for
- sauces, puddings, pie fillings, thickening
Provides thickening but not true gelling like agar agar.
Arrowroot powder
neutral taste · thick but not gelled
Starch-based thickener with similar properties to cornstarch.
- Covers
- Thickening
- Misses
- Setting & gelling — not covered
- Best for
- sauces, puddings, gluten-free baking, thickening
Good for thickening but doesn't provide the same gelling strength.
Xanthan gum
neutral taste · thick and smooth
Fermentation-derived thickener and stabilizer.
- Covers
- Thickening
- Misses
- Setting & gelling — not covered
- Best for
- sauces, gluten-free baking, vegan cheese, smoothies
Use sparingly as it's very potent, provides thickening but not gelling.
Guar gum
neutral taste · thick and smooth
Plant-based thickener derived from guar beans.
- Covers
- Thickening
- Misses
- Setting & gelling — not covered
- Best for
- ice cream, sauces, gluten-free baking, vegan products
Good vegan option for thickening, but doesn't provide true gelling.
Kappa carrageenan
neutral taste · firm gel
Specific type of carrageenan with strong gelling properties.
- Covers
- Thickening
- Setting & gelling
- Best for
- vegan cheese, desserts, dairy alternatives, firm gels
Excellent for creating firm, sliceable gels similar to agar agar.
Questions
6 questionsWhat is agar agar made from?
Agar agar is made from red seaweed (algae) and is completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Can I substitute gelatin for agar agar?
Yes, gelatin can substitute for agar agar in a 1:1 ratio, but gelatin is not suitable for vegans as it's made from animal collagen.
Why does my agar agar not set properly?
Agar agar needs to be boiled for 1-2 minutes to activate. Also, certain ingredients like pineapple, kiwi, and papaya contain enzymes that prevent agar agar from setting.
Is agar agar healthier than gelatin?
Agar agar is plant-based and contains fiber, while gelatin is animal-based and contains protein. Both are generally considered safe, but agar agar is preferred by those following plant-based diets.
Can I use agar agar in hot liquids?
Yes, agar agar can be used in hot liquids, but it needs to cool to set. Unlike gelatin, agar agar sets at room temperature and doesn't melt easily once set.
What's the difference between agar agar powder and flakes?
Agar agar powder dissolves more quickly and evenly, while flakes need to be soaked first. Use 1 teaspoon powder or 1 tablespoon flakes per cup of liquid.
Tips for substituting agar agar
8 tips- Agar agar needs to be boiled for 1-2 minutes to activate properly
- Agar agar sets at room temperature, unlike gelatin which needs refrigeration
- Use 1 teaspoon agar agar powder per cup of liquid for firm gels
- Agar agar works best in acidic environments (pH 4-6)
- For softer gels, reduce the amount of agar agar by half
- Agar agar can be reheated and reset multiple times without losing strength
- Store agar agar in a cool, dry place away from moisture
- Agar agar is flavorless and won't affect the taste of your dishes