What is carrageenan?

Carrageenan is a polysaccharide derived from red seaweed, particularly a species known as Irish moss (Chondrus crispus). It’s been used for centuries in various cultures for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties—particularly in food preparation. Today, it plays a key role in the food and supplement industry, especially for those looking for effective plant-based alternatives.

Why We Use Carrageenan at Testa

At Testa, we use carrageenan to form the shell of our 100% plant-based softgel capsules. This ingredient is not mixed in with the algae oil itself but is only part of the outer capsule structure. Specifically, each capsule contains around 60 milligrams of carrageenan in its shell. Without it, the capsule would be too hard or brittle, making it difficult to swallow and store effectively.

Is Carrageenan Safe?

Carrageenan is approved for use in food and supplements by regulatory organizations across the globe, and has been a common food additive for over a hundred years. You’ll find it in items like dairy-free milks, yogurts, desserts, and even toothpaste, where it helps stabilize and bind the ingredients.

A Plant-Based Alternative to Gelatin

For vegan and vegetarian consumers, carrageenan plays a particularly important role—it is currently the only plant-based ingredient that can form a softgel capsule. Most conventional softgels are made from gelatin, a material made from animal collagen. Our use of carrageenan allows us to stay committed to clean, ocean-friendly, and completely plant-based nutrition.

What If You’re Sensitive to Carrageenan?

We understand that some individuals may be sensitive to carrageenan, experiencing digestive discomfort or simply preferring not to consume it. While the vast majority of people tolerate it well, there’s an easy workaround. You can use a clean pin or needle to gently prick the capsule and squeeze out the oil inside. This allows you to skip the capsule entirely and still get all the essential omega-3s your brain and body love. The oil has a mild taste on its own, but many of our customers enjoy mixing it into yogurts, smoothies, soups, or even salad dressings to mask the flavor while still reaping the full nutritional benefits. Just one capsule contains your daily dose of DHA and EPA, derived from algae—not fish—making it ideal for anyone committed to a sustainable, vegan, or ocean-conscious lifestyle. At Testa, transparency and consumer empowerment are at the heart of what we do. Whether you take your omega-3s straight from the capsule or get creative with how you consume them, we want to make it easy for you to nourish your body and protect the ocean all at once.