Is Agar (E406) Vegan?

Vegan status: Vegan

E-number: E406

Also known as: Agar-agar, Kanten, Chinese isinglass, Japan isinglass

Source

Extracted from red algae and seaweed, primarily from Gelidium and Gracilaria species. Widely produced in Japan, Chile, and Morocco.

Commonly found in

Vegan jellies and desserts, plant-based panna cotta, Asian sweets (mochi, jelly cubes), some candies, microbiological culture media.

Vegan alternative: No substitute needed — agar is itself a gelatin replacement.

Notes

Sets firmer than gelatin at room temperature. Does not melt as easily. A staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine and vegan baking. The name 'China isinglass' is confusing but it is 100% plant-derived.